It hardly seems like it could be 11 years since Fito and I exchanged vows and rings! In someways it feels like 4 or 5 years. In others, I can barely remember a time when we weren’t together.
Without a doubt, our relationship is the greatest gift in my life. It is foundational to everything else.
It is easy to think that because our relationship is strong, that the past 11 years have been easy. I suppose in the ways that really matter, like communication, compatibility and joy, it has been. At the same time…, man, have we been through the wringer!
Everything has been turned upside down and backwards. What was, has been destroyed. What is, has been reconstructed and built from the ground up. There are a few things like the home we live in that are familiar. However, so much is new; so much has changed.
This is where time really gets distorted. My mother moved here to be with us a year after we got married. I started my business 2 years after that. Fito started his the following year. There are so many people, in our lives now, that seem like they were or should have been with us when we made our commitment to one another 11 years ago!
Here is the thing. I’m not sure anything that has happened in the past 11 years.., would have, if we had not had this relationship. It is not that we couldn’t have done them on our own.., it is more a question of ‘would we’!?!
I know for me, it was becoming apart of Fito’s family that opened me to the possibility of mine being with or near me. As close as I am to my family, I was use to living thousands of miles away from them. The distance was comfortable for me.
Yet, there I was surrounded by Fito’s family, including his mom, Mama Chela. Six of his eight siblings lived within a few minutes from us. Even with the normal ups and downs of family dynamics, we were steady. Our corner of the world was solid. When it was time for my mother to join us.., we are both ready. Let’s face it.., Fito is family oriented, he was always ready. He helped me catch up.
I highly doubt I would have ever started my business, if I were not with him. As it was, leaving the company I had been with for 26 years, felt like I was cutting all the cords that kept life stable and predictable. The only safety net was Fito. There to encourage and support me. There to catch me if I fell. I needed his grounding and calm to set sail in this new direction.
I am sure Fito would have eventually started his own business. That is who he is. I knew this within weeks of meeting him almost 14 years ago! However, I am not sure it would have been this business or in the timeframe that it has happened. I too am a safety line and net for him. He knows I am his biggest cheerleader and champion. He knows I would catch him if he were to stumble or fall.
Everyday we step into the unknown. None of us know what the future holds. The world can be a crazy place. Chaos seems to be the norm. I know this. We know this. Yet, because we are there for one another.., because our relationship is always present.., there is also this cozy, comforting place called ‘our relationship’ where each of us gets to celebrate, relax and be restored.
Today, 11 years later, I am filled with gratitude for this relationship. I am thrilled for whatever comes next. It is sometimes hard for me to believe that I could be more in Love now, then when we began to walk this journey together.
Thanks for letting me share this special day with you!
And to my beloved husband Fito… I Love You More 😍
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing your joy and shining the light of possibilities for those of us still seeking our partners.
You are most welcome Teri… and it is worth the wait!
Congrstulations! Can’t believe it was 11 yrs ago – we were all out on the patio getting bit by noseeums and you/I finishing off the champagne ! I feel privileged to have known you both over the yrs! Hugs and here’s to the next 11! Champagne/Proseco waiting! Love is the best glue you can have!!!
Hugs-Diane
Thanks for (most) of the memories Diane! Glad you’ve been there too!
Congratulations to you and Fito. I stopped by your beautiful store yesterday. Mary Helen was their to greet me. What a delightful addition she is to Storm Wisdom. Looking forward to next Sunday with all your favorite artists. Check out http://www.foothillsfocus.com for a great story about Denise written by Shea Stanfield.
Thanks Sandy! And yeah.., we’re pretty happy with the addition of Mary Helen to our team! Hard to believe it is over 2 years already! See you next Sunday! Oh.., and thanks for the article! I shared it on our Facebook page… and Shea did another nice one on Nancy Renaut recently too!
Congratulations! Cheers to many more
Thanks Nicole!
Happy anniversary and bless you both!
Thank you Adel!
These journeys are really amazing, love you both
They are Mary… they are! Love you back!
Congratulations Charles and Fito. Wishing you many more years of joy and love.
Thanks Linda!
Congratulations to both of you beautiful souls!
Thanks Angela!
How beautiful Charles! Congratulations to you and Fito, your relationship is an inspiration!
Thank you Vikki!
How Blessed You Both Are!!!! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks Donna!
Beautifully written as always! Love you both
Ah.., Thanks Cheri!
Blessings to you both. Congratulations!
Thanks Don!
Happy Anniversary Charles and Fito! Wishing you both many more happy years. ❤️
Thanks Jerri!
Happy Anniversary to you both! I couldn’t be happier for the two of you and my how time flies. I would have never guessed that it was already 11years. Wishing the best for the two of you always.
Thanks Mary… and you’re telling me! Warp-speed sometimes!
Congratulations to both of you!
Thanks Jere!
Congratulations! Love and blessings and wishes for MANY, many more happy years together.
Thanks Glady!
Charles, I Just read this. Neil and I send Congratulations to you both. And best wishes too! Sharon
Thank you both Sharon! I hope all is well with you and hope to see you in the near future!