I need to take a moment to tell you all about someone. A while back I met someone who has forever changed my life. I don't rightly know how or why I was allowed into her world, that story is far to complicated to relay in this forum. What I do know is that ever since that fateful day she walked into the liquor store where I was working, Erin has continued to improve my life in ways I never knew possible.
It was five years ago today (that's tomorrow for most of you) that many of you gathered together with us. But that was not the beginning. I remember the first day I saw her as she moved so confidently around that store, familiarizing herself with her new job. I think the reason I fell in love with her that day was the same reason so many people love her so; it is the aura of confidence she displays while she disarms you with her innocence. As she walked out the door that day I turned to my friend and said, "That is a girl I could marry!" Maybe not quite the "I'm going to marry that girl!" ultimatum so often rumored, but at that point there were still some serious road blocks in my way, the biggest being myself.
From that day on I pursued her as if nothing else in life mattered, and it seems now that nothing else really does. Until recently, of course, that was true. Now, she has given even more meaning to my life, our little Rosemary.
When I look at myself, I see my days on earth split into two categories: those before Erin and those after. Before she came around I was lost in the sea of myself. I look back on those days as void of the meaning that now fills my every moment. And now, in the days after, I feel her strength moving me forward, improving me, everyday. Even from this distance, it is Erin that brings me through all of this mess that is before me. It would be impossible for me here, if she were not the pillar I so depend on.
And so it is today that I tell you about the love of my life, who has sacrificed so much for me without ever asking for anything in return, the one I miss: Erin Kay Hagen Paulson.
I love you, Honey. Thank you for the best years of my life. I'll be home just as soon as I can.
Happy Anniversary,
Cliff
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2 comments:
I have not made a habit of posting responses on this blog, as I have the privilege of speaking with you almost everyday. However, this entry clearly deserves a response. But what do I say? You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and not a day goes by in which I do not think happy thoughts of you and feel thankful that you are mine. As I spend my days in WI chasing our little cherub around our house, I eagerly await for you to return. I miss you so much and am counting the days until you come home.
To the rest of you reading this blog: if you weren't jealous of me before, you ought to be now. He's a babe, he's the sweetest man in the world, and he's MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!!!!! I'm the luckiest girl in the world.
Five years is only the beginning, baby. I LOVE YOU CLIFF - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.
I'm teary-eyed. Srsly.
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