Once in a Lifetime

Something I wanted to write on Valentine's Day but didn't. Being a "downer" on the most romantic day of the year would be wrong. Thinking Cupid would probably dose me with something nasty, I abstained but it has been milling in my head so off I scribe.

I had something quite special for more than 34 years. Michael was exceptionally intelligent, quick, funny - the humor was always present and many times used to quell a children's simmering revolt, a business deal gone sour or his spouse's thinking in a different direction. He always had vision, definitely knew where he was going and how he was going to get there. What a ride we had, it was more an adventure than I ever could have imagined.

When one says, it is the journey rather than the destination, that is so true. Michael had absolute goals and determination, his path was well-planned and his goal was in sight. But I was there for more than the ferris wheel, and it wasn't always a day in the park. I wanted what he wanted and he wanted to share it with Jennifer, Meredith and I. When one had twists and turns (and there was some major switchbacks), we did it together, we never faced anything alone.

When traveling, the phone was the main method of communication and it was fully utilized. So much so that Jennifer announced to her nursery school class that her father lived on the train. Since the Connelly clan only had one car, off Michael went to the train, to the plane, to his myriad of business trips, always calling to find out what was happening. Jennifer thinking he was a stand-in for Charley and the MBTA, chatted it up with her Dad. Must have been a good visual in her brain - Dad hanging on the strap with the telephone cord (remember those) extending to the office. I covered the home front, Michael conquered the Cable Industry and we were off to the races. And boy, there was some memorable tracks!

I am glad we shared that adventure. I am glad that we wanted what the other wanted. I am glad that we laughed until tears rolled down our cheeks and snot came blowing out of our noses. I am sad when I see people get bogged down in the details of life. Yes, we had our moments when that happened but I can firmly tell you now that was time wasted. So silly, really. Who Cares? We realized that most of the time and let stupid stuff slide by the wayside. When we went to dinner, we had so much to chat about, that it was never quiet. I see other couples silently sloshing through the meal, and I think, Wow, what a waste.

Always remember what drew you to your other half, never lose sight of the big picture, treasure the moments you have with each other and realize that true joy is realizing a shared dream. At the end of the day, it is not the pretty dress, big house or fancy car that matters, it is what you are to each other.