30 Amazing Years!

Thirty years ago today I remember waiting for you to arrive. I was on a mission, a mission from God. I knew you’d show up, I just didn’t know when, so I watched and I waited and I watched some more. Peeking through stacked cans of juices and vegetables. Looking over and around wooden display cases brimming with fresh orange, red, brown, green and yellow produce. As the morning pressed on I became increasingly eager for your arrival and then, as without notice, I caught a glimpse of you between the neatly stacked five pound bags of russet potatoes and the three pound bags of yellow onions.

It was only a second but I knew it was you, even from across the street between four lanes of traffic; a lock of your beautiful auburn hair caught my eye as you turned into the local pizzeria, best girl friend Julianna in tow. You didn’t stay long with those handsome Italian boys but too long for my taste. I watched as you proceeded down the street, crossed at the light, waited for one more traffic light to change and then… and then you were headed my way, finally heading right for me.

I postured myself outside in the cool February daylight, leaning against an overflowing vegetable stand, legs nonchalantly crossed at my ankles and arms folded across my chest. A smile I could not contain betrayed the confidence I felt that bright Saturday morning. You see, the night before God told me that you were the one, I knew it was Him and I knew He meant you.

The following moments would forever change my world and I’ve never been happier. A beautiful young woman with amazing exotic eyes, beautifully long hair and GREAT legs walked right up to me. She looked me in the eye and oozing with girlish charm asked me to escort her to her junior prom. Without a moment’s hesitation I said yes and the rest, as they say, is history.

Thirty years, two amazing kids, three houses, three churches and thousands of lives later, I love you more today then every before. You’re my wife, my partner, my lover and my very best friend. Thank you for asking, thank you for risking, thank you for believing, thank you for saying “I DO” that one special day and “I Will” so many days since.

I love you Nadine Marie, I always have and I always will…

Forever Yours,

Tom

© Tom Zawacki 2008

(Photo Credit: Photo Booth, Kings Plaza Shopping Mall, Brooklyn, NY circa 1978)