Today is an emotional day. 21 years ago today I married my soulmate. Every anniversary without him is very hard and today is no exception.
Today, I am grateful for the love we shared. I am grateful that we were able to spend 17 wonderful years together. I am grateful that we created 2 wonderful kids (in photo below),
Darin and I first met when we were 16 years old. We were both at the same party and he was dating my friend. The moment I saw him, it was love at first sight. We went on a date to a movie and I knew that I was going to marry him. I knew he was my soulmate. This may sound corny to some but for those that believe in love at first sight, you understand what I mean.
My dad was in the military so I moved away at the end of Grade 12. I was heartbroken. Even though Darin and I were no longer in the same town, we wrote letters and kept in touch. All through university, we shared stories about school, people we dated and our dreams for the future. He was always in my heart.
After graduation, I moved to Toronto to work for an airline. I had an incredible life but there was someone missing. Fate intervened one day. Darin called me and told me was coming to Toronto with a friend. Darin and his friend came by my apartment for a short visit. The moment I saw him in person, I knew…..I just knew. He was still my knight in shining armour.
A couple months later Darin moved to Toronto to attend a graduate program at George Brown. We talked daily and it felt like we were 16 again, talking about our hopes and dreams. We moved in together, got married and the rest is history. My dream came true.
That is our story and I wanted to share it will you today.
Every night, before I fell asleep, I told Darin that I loved him. I will always remember the night he died. I told Darin I loved him before he felt asleep. I know in my heart that he died knowing that I loved him and that makes each day a little bit easier. This poem is a wonderful reminder of the importance of telling people you love them.
My challenge for you today :
Please love and enjoy your loved ones. You never know when they may be taken away from you. Hug them close and tell them you love them.
- Don’t wait until tomorrow to do something special….tomorrow may not come.
- Never go to bed angry.
- Make memories with your family, take lots of photos. One day those photos and memories will be all you have.
Ann
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Tiffany says
Sending you lots of love and big hugs on this difficult day.
Ann says
Thank you so much Tiffany. I hope to see you soon. xo
Mary says
This day will always be special – it was the public union of your love and the beginning of your family. And your love story is beautiful. I’m sorry it was too short but so glad you lived it.
Ann says
Thank you Mary. xo
Sandy says
This one made me tear up too. What a beautiful photo of you and Darin. Your kids look so much like the both of you. I love the reminders. We all need to take those to heart. Because, as you found out, you never know.
Your time with Darin (cut short) reminds me of my fave Garth Brooks song “The Dance”. One of my fave lyrics “And now, I’m glad I didn’t know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.”
Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you have of Darin, and the time you got to spend together. Big hugs…and Happy Anniversary, my friend. xoxo
Sandy recently posted…This Is Nuts! Where Has Our Common Sense Gone?
Ann says
Oh Sandy, thank you so much for sharing that song. I am going to Google it. You are such an amazing friend and I am grateful for your friendship. xo
Peady @ Tempered with Kindness says
Big juicy teardrops raining on my keyboard.
Oh, Ann! :'(
I am so glad your dream came true.
Peady @ Tempered with Kindness recently posted…Everyone Needs To Know
Parent Club says
Sending hugs during these difficult days. I agree – take the time to tell people you love them – in the moment they are with you.
Parent Club recently posted…Ontario Pork Farmers Care
Ann says
Thank you so much for your love and support Caroline. xo