The Best Thanksgiving Ever

On Thanksgiving two years ago, the love of my life asked me to marry him.

I already knew I was going to say “yes”. It wasn’t a hard word to say at all when he asked. When he knelt down in the cold grass on a starry night in the country after reciting to me a poem that he wrote and giving me the most beautiful ring.
Not a hard word at all to say, only three letters and one syllable, but the best and most perfect word I’ve ever said. “Yes”. To the best and most perfect question I’ve ever been asked. Followed by the best champagne I’ve ever tasted though not the most expensive, and the best first kiss. And the best second, third, fourth, fifth...

Let me tell you what else has been the best in the last two years of my life.

The best patience, from a man who comes home from a long day at work to do the dishes and help with dinner when I am tired from lupus.

The best affirmation from a man who says he loves my body even though I have gained a significant amount of weight since marrying him.

The best celebrations from a man who rejoices with me in my little triumphs, like when someone buys a piece of my jewelry from my little Etsy shop.

The best sadness from a man who hurts when I hurt.

The best forgiveness from the most important man in my life, when I manage somehow to hurt him in spite of him being the best thing that I’ve ever had.

The best laughs when we share clever jokes, or the most immature jokes anyone has ever heard.

The best meals I’ve ever had, cooked together with love, fun, and plenty of cayenne pepper.

The best tolerance of my flaws; my shyness and my wildness, my indulgence and my hesitancy. My contradictions; my inconsistencies.

The best broccoli I’ve ever had, sautéed somehow with olive oil and curry powder to the most perfect balance of crunchy and tender (he makes the broccoli).

The best wine, $4-$8 from Trader Joe’s, sipped during good TV shows and finished with good conversation with one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

The best “fights”: low voices, slow sentences, “I” statements and respect for my feelings.

The best cat, rescued by one of the most compassionate men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.

The best dreams for the future, shared by him.

The best view every day, provided unintentionally by this handsome, handsome man.

The best support and encouragement, offered by him.

The best service, provided for me when I am feeling sick and tired.

The best information, provided by his precision and the way he researches everything.

The best trust, knowing that he always wants what’s best for me.

The best foot rubs.

The best kisses, every time.

The best cuddles.

The best efforts.

The best of everything he has to offer.

The best I ever dared to hope to have.

The best motivation to be a better person, provided just by watching him.

The best love.

The best Thanksgiving ever, November 28, 2013.

Yet somehow, I am sure the best is yet to come.

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