Fourteen

1998: I searched for guys from Paris, France on the internet.... and fell in love with a guy wearing a camo jacket and a red beret. There was something in his serious face.... something hiding in his eyes that I had to get to know. We talked every day until I left for the military in 2000, and we lost touch when my life changed paths.

2002:  I bought a laptop and struggled to remember that French boy's screen name! Alas, I took a stab at it and sent a message, and he remembered me. We picked up talking where we left off.... as if no time at all had passed.

October 2005:  Nicolas came over for 2 weeks. We celebrated Halloween together, my birthday, and he was my date to my Airman Leadership School graduation. When he left, he took my heart with him. I sat on the floor where his suitcase had been and traced the lines in the carpet with my finger while I sobbed. I was homesick for him.

December 2005: Nicolas came back :) We spent Christmas together. 

January to May 2006: I deployed to Diego Garcia. We kept in touch via internet and snail mail. He'd made plans to come back to the US when I got home from deployment. 2 more weeks together. While deployed, I put in for orders to Germany (and got them!) I figured if we were going to make a go of our relationship, it would be easier if we were closer, geographically.

May 2006:  He proposed to me in the front yard of my Aunt Vicki's house. He knew this was my favorite place in the world and he tried hard to make it special. Things were rough, emotionally, and I just couldn't say yes with confidence yet. So I said "not yet."

August 2006: Stevie and I moved to Germany. At the end of a very long day of travel, I opened the door to see Nicolas standing on the other side. He had promised to be there for me - and he has been ever since! 

September 2006: An engagement ring on my finger. 

?? 2006: Not sure exactly when, but Nicolas quit his job in Paris and moved in with me in Germany. 

December 29, 2006: We were married at the city hall in Speicher, Germany. His mom and sisters made the trek to be with us (they insisted!) The weather was foggy and gray and seemingly miserable - but my whole life came together that day. 

It's been 14 years. Being married to my soulmate is as effortless as breathing. It's not always easy. We do drive each other nuts, occasionally! BUT... I have always had pride in our ability to communicate. We make an amazing team. My life, having grown up in Sonora, TX.... has turned into this magical world of experiences and discoveries - getting to travel to so many places and see/do so many things. It wasn't just Uncle Sam who made that possible - but my husband as well. I thank God for placing him in my life, to teach me and open my eyes to all the things I have learned since loving him. 

Happy Anniversary, Nicolas Durgeat. You make me, and that is enough. <3