BanAnna Crossing

Maybe it was later than you think.

It wasn’t so many years ago (the age divided by two plus seven rule does not work).  It wasn’t in the park that first day.  It wasn’t when I blurted “I love you” for the first time.  It wasn’t that rather eventful night.  It wasn’t when I brought you the flowers and it wasn’t when you lit that park bench by candles.

It was on the day about you.  Ironically, it was the happiest day of my life.  You remember it, don’t you?  Maybe not all of it, so I’ll tell you again.

That morning, you called me and your tone told me something was wrong.  I panicked when you said, “Don’t panic.”  Ten minutes after entering your house and going to your room, I was trying to fill my head with good thoughts; memories when people said that I would make a good father.

And then our hopes and fears were both realized.  And when you said you were going to go through with this I was scared so much I thought I would need to change my pants, but at the same time, all I wanted to do was dance with you.  And then I told you that today was all about you.

And we played the piano downstairs, and then while you waited in the car, I asked your Mom to find out your ring size.  We ate, we went to that park, we played miniature golf, we went went to the batting cages, we saw a movie, we ran, you received some flowers, and then, for a while, we went back to the park again.

We stayed through the sunset, a little off the beaten path, lying in the grass.  And we watched the stars come out, one by one.  Your parents were probably worried.  But perhaps they were used to it.  After all, we had been going out for two weeks.

And then I ever-so-subtly moved myself over and laid my head on your stomach.  Now that I look back, it seems pretty awkward.  You were up on your elbows and my head was on your stomach, my face turned so I could see yours.  I don’t think that’s good for your back.

But your face was full of love, and you were smiling.  I could hear you breathing and I could make out your heartbeat.  And I realized that I was going to spend the rest of my days with you.

I fell in love with you, right then and there.

Love you still

Stephen