15

IMG_3886Dear Amelia,

We’ve been married for 15 years today.

I thought about finding a mariachi band to celebrate. I thought about looking at homes and having the realtor tell me I have commitment issues. I thought about going to an orchid show with you.

I even thought about arguing over which dishes to buy.

But none of that felt right. Instead, I wrote this.

15 years ago we started on a path that has led us through three cities, four homes, five cars, two children, one dog (!) and more memories than I can fit in a Facebook post.

IMG_3888

15 years ago – in front of 400 people – I shared this story:

troopers-hands-in-handsIn 1848, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill. By 1849, people were flocking to California in search of treasure. “Eureka!” they shouted when the found their treasure.

In 1996 I came to California in search of my treasure. Three years later I met you. 

Eureka!

Man, it’s a hot one
Like seven inches from the midday sun
Well, I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool

SmoothMy muñequita,
My Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa
You’re my reason for reason
The step in my groove, yeah.

And if you said, “This life ain’t good enough.”
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Because you’re so smooth

~ “Smooth“, Santana feat. Rob Thomas

IMG_388915 years, 5 months and 9 days ago we decided we wanted a future together. A future that might be filled with ups, might be filled with downs, might be more of one than the other. But we wanted to dream our dream and do it together.

And 15 years later we continue to stare up into the stars, hold hands, and dream of our future together.