An anniversary date.

 

Today is Harbor's and my one year anniversary. Initially, I considered going into the story of how we began dating, but for one, most people probably don't want to read that, and two, it's sort of confusing. We picked May 4th as the "official" day we started dating retroactively. Last year, as we got to know one another, we progressed very naturally into a dating relationship and became great friends. But because last year brought a lot of hard times very suddenly, Harbor joined me in the middle of the mess and has been supportive ever since. 

Actually, the month of May is a really hard one for me. I've spent the last week feeling more exhausted than I've felt in awhile, and tears seem to be a normal part of each day. There are certainly happy things this time of year, like the anticipation of summertime, birthdays, graduations, and our anniversary, but there are also reminders of very tragic life events, and this new year has dealt our family some real blows, on top of the sadness the month already brings. 

So tonight is a celebration, in the midst of a very dark place, with a very heavy heart. But a celebration all the same. And if there is anyone capable of meeting me there and walking alongside me when I'm feeling really low, he's one of the best. He knows how to ask good questions, but also knows when we just need to sit in silence and be still. Or pray and seek a new direction. Or just go and do something to take my mind off of the sadness. He doesn't try to fix situations that are unfixable, but he also knows when and how to suggest a positive action, or challenge me to see another perspective. 

Thank you Harbor! You're so wonderful, very safe, really gentle, and consistently one of the sweetest boys I know. (And I'll stop being mushy now.) 

Oh, and as you may have noticed, this morning I came to work and found a vase of flowers in an antique mug, and handmade card (he's the best at making cards) with a paper star crown inside. He said I can wear this one until my real Starlette Crown arrives in the mail!!! If you've been following my blog for awhile, you know how perfect this gift is for me. I've wanted one for ages. 

And now, I wanted to share some fun memories from our year of dating. Funny Skype dates while he was on tour and I was traveling with work, trips we've taken together, and fun photos from dates, special occasions and photo adventures. (Sorry for the photo overload!)

<3