How special it is when a husband or wife says, "I married my best friend." Even more special is the spouse who says after thirty three years of marriage, "I am married to my best friend!"
When I decided to get married to my boyfriend of 6 years, my friends were saying that our marriage was not going to work because I was only in my early twenties and usually relationships at this stage are rooted in passion. Little did they know that our relationship was not only a "love affair", but a deep and growing friendship - a meeting not only of bodies, but of minds, hearts and souls.
When we were introduced by a townmate, I at first didn't take notice. He would tag along his friend who happened to be my boardmate's boyfriend whenever he paid her a visit. When they went on dates, I had to chaperon my friend so I became his constant partner. In the beginning, I found it difficult to relate with him because he was older by 5 years. He was already working while I was just about to start college. Since I was hundred of miles away from home, he gradually became my good friend. He not only loved, cared, worried, stood by me, helped me when I was hospitalized for typhoid fever, forgave me for a lot of things, provided me with warmth, humour, kindness, thoughtfulness & everything I needed. But most of all he was always there when I needed him. These were the qualities that lead me to love him more dearly as the years went by.
In celebration of our 33rd wedding anniversary this coming March 14, I'd like to dedicate this poem written by an unknown author to my dearly beloved husband.
I love you not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you;
I love you not only for what you have made of yourself,
but for what you are making of me;
I love you not for closing your ears to the discords in me,
but for adding to the music in me by worshipful listening;
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.
