The First Day of My...

Well, life has always been a bit backwards for me...or, really, I've always just chosen to live life backwards. At the age of, let's say 10 (because in reality, it's probably been since I was a babe), I functioned like an adult. I thought like an adult. I stressed like an adult. I didn't know laughter without tears and I didn't know a smile without a worry.  Fast forward to 18 (actual age, yes).  I was in love. He was my world. I left him to pursue four years of unadulterated college life.  Smiling, laughing, absolutely overjoyed with my acceptance letter.  Bawling my eyes out in Cascade Park telling him that we were through. Fast forward 4 years (we're going to skip this.  As it very much gave me the path to where I am today, it certainly doesn't define who I've become): graduation, moving up and out. Bigger and better things awaited me.

Contacted said 'love.'

And this, my friends, is where the first day of my life began. He began the drive down to Dayton. 3.5 hours (unless your Laura, then make it 5 hours) later, I was in his arms and felt like the 5 years between us was all but lost in history. Since then, he's been mine, I his.  Our path has been one of a LOT of learning.  Here is who helped us get to today:

Natalie: for welcoming him into my (read: our) apartment the very first time he drove down.
Laura: for knowing the past and seeing our future.
My dad: for second chances, his unwavering support of my decisions, and mostly, for being my dad.
His family: for showing me that family isn't always blood, that 'brothers' really do care and for welcoming me in (and certainly not taking it easy on me :))
Gutschmidt: for being the newest part of my life and showing me what's important, what isn't and how to tell the difference.

Since he and I got back together, I've bought a house, then sold the house, moved back north to Lakewood, we lived in a condo, we moved into our respective parents homes, we bought a house which brings us to today.

More to come.