20 Years… A Lifetime of Memories
From the first time I met my wife, I knew there was something special about her.
It didn’t matter that for the first year that I knew her that she wanted nothing to do with me. Maybe it was because at the time, I was a scrawny, short (okay that hasn’t changed), annoying 14 year old who was friends with her twin sister. Maybe it was because our only interaction that first year was when we were at a passing period and I said “hi”… a few too many times. Maybe it was because we had nothing in common. Or maybe it was just that we were two awkward teenagers just trying to navigate our first year in high school.
And then things finally changed our sophomore year of high school. We ended up being in a class together - adventure - a class of rock climbing and ropes courses. A fitting beginning to what has now become the greatest adventure of our life time. After two months of flirting with her and having her think that I actually liked one of her best friends, she invited me to another friend’s birthday party. It was the first time that she finally knew that I liked her.
After another month of one-sided flirting, I got up the nerve to ask her to be my “girlfriend” in front of her friend’s house… I know very cool.
Little did we know that April 13, 2000 would be the official start of 20 year relationship and one that has already brought a lifetime of memories.
The first time I officially met her parents - Olive Garden to “break Passover” and celebrate our two week “date-a-versary.”
Working at SteinMart together for our final two years of high school.
Going to 10 school and BBYO high school dances - two homecomings, two Snowball dances, two Proms and four BBYO dances.
Participating in the Israel Study Tour - while it was a very rough trip overall, the experience brought us closer together.
Celebrating hundreds of Shabbat dinners together.
Murder mystery joint 17th birthday party celebration.
Going off to two different colleges for us to end up together at Colorado State University our sophomore year.
Watching hundreds of movies together - and now having movie nights to pick the “worst movie.” I think I am in the lead.
Getting engaged on April 1st - yes, I do realize it was April Fool’s Day and asking in front of 300 “strangers” may have been too much.
Falling in love with musical theatre and attending countless plays together.
Getting married on a Sunday and moving to a new state (Arizona) the next day to start a new life and new jobs at 22 years old.
Buying our first condo at 24 and buying our first two “family” homes by the time we were 34.
Adding two amazing children to our family.
Countless trips around the country and even some out of the United States.
Amusement parks, baseball games, cruises, road trips, and more.
25 jobs between us.
11 cars.
And now over 30+ days in quarantine together.
Pamela, while things have not always been perfect, I am so grateful that you gave me a chance twenty years ago and have stuck with me through the highs and lows of our lives. You have given me the greatest gifts in life - our two beautiful children - and allowed me to pursue my personal and professional dreams. You have made me a better father, son, husband, and person. You have challenged me and pushed my buttons more than anyone else. You have also stood by me while I navigate my depression and anxiety. You have waited up for me late at night as I work long hours or served on one of the many boards I participate in. You have looked past my shortcomings and helped me see my strengths.
While I was hoping that we could celebrate this milestone in a different way this year, the quarantine has brought us closer together in many ways and I look forward to the day that we can truly celebrate our 20 years of memories. Here is to wishing another 70 years of making memories.
143 x a bajillion and thirteen.
I love you,
Josh