Monkeys Take Shelter

My husband and I met for the first time in high school (oh so long ago!). I was 16, he was 20 (a little old for high school admittedly, but back then there was a fifth year!). I wouldn't say that I married my high school sweetheart exactly, though we did date for a while, maybe a couple of months, and then we went our separate ways. He went back to the small town he came from and I went back to the boyfriend I was taking a break from. Never to cross paths again. Until my 2nd or 3rd year of university. Turns out he was attending a college in the same town and we ran into each other while we were there and kindled something of a friendship. Sadly, that is also where he met his first wife (who will heretofore be referred to as "the harpy" or some other such unpleasant title).

Again we went our separate ways and it wasn't until I was out in the real world (working - and having a nervous break down because of it) that we met up again. This time on purpose. To abbreviate the story somewhat, he looked me up after his marriage went down the tubes and we fell madly in love with each other. If you believe in it, it seems a little bit like Fate.

Since then, we have been weathering the storm of his first wife together. Hurricane harpy has left us soaked to the bone with resentment and frustration on more than one occasion, but I am happy to say that more often than not, our negative dealings with her make us feel all the more grateful that we have each other.

His ability to stay calm in a tense situation; to be civil in the face of incivility; to keep priorities straight when the world seems upside down amazes and inspires me. Despite the sometimes stormy weather of our life together, his consistency shelters me, us and our relationship. I hope that I offer him the same kind of solace as he does me.