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Today, my husband and I celebrate twenty-eight years of commitment, and eleven years of legal marriage.

I look back on our journey with gratitude. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather walk through life with.

It hasn’t been all champagne and roses—though in truth it has probably included way too much champagne, but I find popping a bottle to celebrate things big and small—even opening a bottle to toast being able to have Sunday morning breakfast together—helps balance the heavier side of life. We have helped and supported each other through the loss of his grandparents, my parents and four dogs.

Together we have built a life and an art collection; we have bought—and renovated—two houses, seven cars, rescued six dogs, planted a dozen trees and countless shrubs and flowers; welcomed the birth of our nephews and tried to carve a place in their lives. He has supported me through the writing and publishing of five novels, a collection of short stories and a novella. I like to think I helped him become the best version of himself.

Writing this post made me reflect on a conversation I had not too long ago with a casual acquaintance. She asked me what I would buy if I won a million dollars in the lottery. I thought for a minute and answered, “Nothing. There’s nothing I need that I don’t already have.

Now I'm no longer doubtful of what I'm living for
And if I make you happy, I don't need to do more
—Aretha Franklin, “You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”








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