"Closer"

Today was Halloween, of course.

Did you get a rock? I hope you got more than a rock.

But for Drummer Boy and me, October 31st is more than Halloween. It's also our anniversary.

It's the anniversary of...

...um...

I can't rightly say, now.

It's not the anniversary of when we met - I don't even remember that date. It was a long time ago, and I was in love with someone else when it happened.

It's not the anniversary of our first date. I suppose at some point we had a first date...a lunch, probably? I don't think we ever really dated. We were not together, and then, with a single word communicated via e-mail, we were together. To this day we don't have dates. We are together and then we're apart until we can be together again. "Date" is a wholly inadequate word to describe our time together.

It's not the anniversary of our first kiss. I remember that moment well. But it didn't happen on October 31st.

So what, then?

Today was the anniversary of an old and dear friend letting me know, with a kindness and gentleness I had never before experienced, that I wasn't alone.

Sometimes, you have no idea how alone you've been until someone appears by your side.

Not a mysterious stranger, or a rescuing angel. Simply destiny in the guise of a sweet, smart, goofy, deeply wounded human who finally summons the strength to hold you in his arms. And another goofy human who allows herself to embrace him back.

I love you, Drummer Boy.

Thank you for putting up with me.

The years ahead are going to kick so much ass.

Happy Halloween, Dude.