Six years ago today, I kissed this man for the first time.  This man who will be my husband and the father of my children. This man who always carries the heavy stuff, who tickles me and pulls my hair and holds my face with both hands when I cry.  This man who tells me I can do anything, who weaves my dreams into his own. This man who loves me without reservation, without condition, with a totality that takes my breath away.

We thought about going away to celebrate in an adorable B&B on the coast, but instead I’ve grounded us at home so that I can spend time this weekend working for the Obama campaign. When I decided the election was too important, and that I needed to get in the game, I broke the news to Steve that I would need to volunteer this weekend. He laughed and kissed me and said of course, of course you do Bear, this is exactly why I love you so much. So we will spend the day working hard and the night playing with a few of our awesome friends who are in town.

I know most people would see this choice as a travesty, but Steve doesn’t which is exactly why he suits me. We both see our relationship as a deep love affair and an incredibly powerful partnership. On my own I can do a lot. But with Steve by my side, whispering encouragements, refocusing me when I feel overwhelmed, holding up a mirror to my best and worst sides and creating a cocoon for when I need to retreat? And when I do the same for him? That means that together, we are a force to be reckoned with, that we can take on just about anything.

But life isn’t just about the work to be done and so next weekend we’ll head to the beach with a picnic basket and do what we do best – play and tease and frolic until the sun dips. This duality is one of the things I cherish most about our relationship – that Steve is the one I want to knuckle down with when the going gets tough and my favorite person to be light with, to spend hours in nonsensical conversations, to make up ridiculous dances, to do nothing at all.

Steve, my life before you was complete, but you make it full. I am so grateful for every moment I get to spend laughing and teasing and arguing and snuggling with you. After you fall asleep I sometimes lean on one elbow, looking at you and our baby(cat) tucked beneath your hand and I cannot imagine how I got lucky enough to meet you so young, how I found in you a partner for every age – willing to dig deep with me to build a purposeful life, how I got this chance to grow into a love that is true in every sense of the word.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

Always, Sierra

And the closer I’m bound in love to you
The closer I am to free

• September 20th, 2008
• steve
• 4 comments
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