Along The Path it is a blessing to be able to rise and fall and rise with someone you cherish. Someone who sees you, at times, clearer than you see yourself. Sets you straight. Centers you. Someone who laughs at your jokes before you finish them, who has the same meaningful thought at the same time. In tune. Truly the rhythm of life. The cypress to your oak.

Melanie and I are in our fourth decade together. It seems like a moment and a lifetime. That’s just how it is. And it gets better each year. When I consider what she has had to anchor and carry over the last few years, it’s a testament to her strength and the trueness of her resolve. It’s not that I couldn’t have done it without her. It’s just that I wouldn’t have wanted to. Makes no sense to me.

We are one of those couples who started being a couple on Valentine’s Day. I’m thankful that it’s easy to remember. And thankful that it’s not just another day of flowers and chocolate. It’s a reminder of all we have created together. All we have weathered together. The ups that shine like van Gogh’s stars, and the downs that renewed and strengthened our bond, with a helping of grit.

It’s not a greeting card moment to wish this for others, especially those wondering about love. It’s a wish for the highest and best we all can be and can only be when we give and grow love. The “falling in love” is not a one-time event (Sorry Netflix!). It’s just for openers. The ones that come later are the ones that really rattle the bones and pierce the selfish self. But you have to be in it and work it to get to it. Or through to it.

Down The Path you come to know that the one is the one because you can’t become one without the other. Can’t become whole. That what you cherish and admire in the other is what you will learn to become through love. And it is a glorious journey.

With many chapters and adventures to come….