San Geraldo had been up for a couple of hours when I got out of bed yesterday morning. He greeted me with a hug and a kiss when we met in the hall.
“Good morning, sunshine,” he said with his eyes aglow. “So, how do you feel on your last day of 57?”
I tilted my head down and looked into his eyes reprovingly.
“Gerald,” I said (he knows he’s in trouble when I say Gerald), “Tomorrow is not my birthday. It’s our AN-NI-VER-SA-RY.”
It’s the third time he’s gotten it wrong in the last three weeks. He almost had a panic attack one day when he thought he had already missed my birthday. I’m thankfully unconcerned about his memory. Everything else appears to be working just fine (and he’s done this for years). Besides, maybe it’s not so bad that he thinks today is all about me.
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| 1955 — BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, AND SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA |
So, today is our anniversary (my birthday was exactly two months ago and it was very nice). San Geraldo (the Addle-Pated) and I have been together for 31 — unbelievably full, rich, challenging, joy-filled, love-filled, emotional, high, low, rarely inactive, rarely boring, often comical — years. It doesn’t feel like 31 years. I don’t know what it feels like exactly — a bit like only yesterday and a bit like forever — but I never imagined when we met that this is where I would be 31 years later. Really, I never imagined being anywhere 31 years later. So I certainly never imagined being gray and progressively balder. I know San Geraldo never imagined being quite so… robusto. But, I also never imagined I could be so much in love with anyone. So here’s wishing San Geraldo, the love of my life — my muse, my shoulder to lean on, my someone-who-needs-me-too-much and vice versa, and my comic relief — a very happy anniversary! I’ve shared below photos of us in just a few of the places we’ve lived and visited over the last 31 years. It’s anyone’s guess what’s next. But, I do know that wherever San Geraldo is, well, that’s home!
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1982 — ON THE ROAD IN SOUTH DAKOTA
(WHILE LIVING IN BOSTON) |
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1983 — GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
(WHILE LIVING IN MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA) |
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1985 — BICYCLING TO MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA
(WHILE LIVING IN WASHINGTON, DC) |
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| 1990 — HOME IN GUILFORD, CONNECTICUT |
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1998 — BERGEN, NORWAY
(WHILE LIVING IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA) |
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| 1999 — HOME IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA |
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| 2002 — HOME IN PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA |
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| 2004 — HOME IN SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA |
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| 2012 — HOME IN SEVILLA, SPAIN |
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Author: Moving with Mitchell
From Brooklyn, New York; to North Massapequa; back to Brooklyn; Brockport, New York; back to Brooklyn... To Boston, Massachusetts, where I met Jerry... To Marina del Rey, California; Washington, DC; New Haven and Guilford, Connecticut; San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Irvine, California; Sevilla, Spain. And Fuengirola, Málaga..
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Hello Mitch:
What a wonderful pictorial record of 31 years! We are delighted for you and wish you both every happiness on your anniversary and for the future.
Jane and Lance:
Thanks! We are getting ready to finally head out for our anniversary breakfast… which will be no different from our non-anniversary breakfast! Loved your post this morning on the family business! Fascinating history.
It is more than a nice story, it is inspiring. Congratulations first of all. At least you met while you were still young and have had all this time together.
A little different for me since I came out very late in life and met my partner 8 years ago.
I am raising my glass…I don't know yet what I am going to put in it…wine, tequila, vodka? in any case, this evening just before dinner I will toast to you two.
saludos,
raulito
Raulito:
Your message is really touching. Thanks from both of us. Wine or vodka would be fine!
Lovely post,`you made my day. And I love the photographic record of your life together. Happy anniversary!
Judith:
And you've helped make our day, too. Thanks so much!
Toasting you with a cup of java, since it's not twelve yet. [I know it's somewhere in the world 12 o'clock, but still…]
Congratulations on 31 years of togetherness!
Peter:
A java toast works just fine. Thanks!
Beautiful photos and congratulations on 31 years. That is just marvelous!
Happy Anniversary, Boys!
mark
Thanks so much, Mark!
Congratulations! And very inspirational!
Buddy Bear:
Thanks a million.
Aww! From young'n'cute to old-coot in just five decades! Happy anniversary guys!
The Owl Wood:
Thanks… I think (from a couple of old coots)!
What an inspiration! And such great photos of your journey together.
Happy, HAPPY Anniversay!
Bob:
Thank you so, so much! (I really have to rein myself in sometimes with the photos… so many more.)
Happy Anniversary! The photos are wonderful and tell a very happy story of your life together. I wish you many many many many more years
made of happy days together.
Kristi:
It has been an interesting ride and I hope I don't have to get off for a good long time. Many thanks!
Happy Anniversary to you both. You make a great couple! The photographs are wonderful.x
Elaine:
Thanks so much. I love going through the photos and the blog gives me a great excuse to do it more often. Really special memories.
Happy 31st…you guys…isn't life amazing and amusing…you guys certainly look like you are having a grand time over all those years…laughs and all. We still have you by 8 years….have a glorious day in Sevilla and have one on us! Cheers and Salud!!!!!!!!!
Ron, not Sophie winkers!
Ron:
So many thanks being sent your way. These 31 years have not been without their bumps (and major rock piles), but I consider myself lucky to be making those trips … and climbs.. with Jerry. I'm sure you know that feeling well!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. I wish you both many more years of health, happiness and adventure.
Stephen:
Thanks so much. It's been great getting to know you!
Happy 31st anniversary! You and Jerry are an inspiration to me of what true love can be. How wonderful to have someone to share your ups and downs along the path. I love the pictures. Cheers to two of the most loving people I have met.
Jo:
And to think you were around during the time of our second anniversary! Thank you!
What a darling couple you are! Best wishes on your anniversary. My sweetie and I will celebrate 30 years next May–and like you say, it seems incredible.
Ms. Sparrow:
I used to think 30 years was such a long time. It doesn't feel that long — except when I look in the mirror!
Happy anniversary, guys!
Mercy buckets, Walt the Fourth. (I thought I'd impress you with French a la San Geraldo… I would say mercy bow coo.)
How great is it that you've been able to share all those adventures with someone so wonderful. Congratulations!
Stew:
It HAS been great! Thanks!
Awwwww…. you made me cry. It's so good to know folks who really enjoy and love each others company. Congratulations! Makes me want to go find Bill and give HIM a hug…
The Odd Essay:
Sorry to make you cry, but glad to make you want to hug Bill!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! You guys are so sweet together….celebrate!
Monkey Man:
Thanks! We had a good day and a fun dinner out.
Some couples start gorgeous and stay gorgeous throughout the years, and this post is exhibit A. Congratulations, and happy, happy anniversary! Others have said it, and I will echo–you two are an inspiration!
Michelle:
Well, I don't know about gorgeous (well I know for certain)… but thanks a million!
Happy annibersary, looks like you have a full life and many years. Good health and happiness.
yvonne
Yvonne:
Thank you so much!
What a lovely way to salute your history and your present and your future! Wonderful photos, wonderful words 🙂
Judeet:
I have such a good time searching through the old photos. (And I'm not even finding too depressing anymore!)
31 years!! Now THAT is a journey and one that you both are lucky to be 'on'.
All the best to you guys and here's to the road ahead!! May it be without too many 'potholes'! lol
Jim:
Thanks to the cobblestones, not many potholes around here… .But an awful lot of bumps.
¡¡¡¡¡ Muchísimas felicidades!!!!
Que cumpláis muchos más y que Yo lo vea
¡Muchisimas gracias, Soonks!
Wow … lasting 31 years with someone is an amazing accomplishment and congrats to both of you!! It looks like you've traveled far and wide together and always found a home with each other! Happy Anniversary!!!
Jenners:
Thanks! And to think how excited we were when we made it through the first year!
I am late but wish to join the conga line of congratulations !
Spo:
Thanks, kick, truly, kick…
I am just behind ur-spo kicking my heels up to the side!
congrats too!!!
John:
LOL. And before seeing your comment, I joined behind Spo, as well! Thanks so much. We've already made it to 31 years and 4 days. Who would have thought?
What a charming and moving tour through the years with you two. Fritz and I have only had half as long because we met a good deal later in life than you did but I sense a common love and devotion in both our relationships. Happy Anniversary and warm hugs to you both!
Will:
Thanks so much! Wishing you and Fritz more years of love and devotion, too!
I shared this beautiful entry with my boyfriend Chris tonight. My sister is getting married Tuesday, and Chris and I are getting married next month. It feels like there's a lot of joy around us all right now.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to you both! You are both so beautiful. The smiles say so much. Your eloquent words say the rest. You're an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this.
Namaste.
Victor:
Thank you so much for the good wishes. Exciting news about your sister's wedding tomorrow (I loved your comments about her Tuesday wedding… it's a very traditional day for weddings, especially in August) and yours and Chris's next month. Jerry and I were "legally" married in Iowa (of all places) after 29 years together! Glad to know you can now legally marry in both your states of residence!
That was really nice. I really needed this today!
Thanks, and congratulations.
My heart is bursting with pride at the thought of a young couple beginning their relationship, wondering if they can have the things their parents had, and here is the proof. Wow, this is the first time I can use the word "awesome" correctly.
Now, for Gerald, I think you should get him an ipad with the icalendar, thing. :))))))
In pride, Tim
Oh, Tim, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and your good wishes.
As for buying San Geraldo an iPad… Forget that! He's got a mobile phone. I tried to call him today. He didn't have it with him. Turns out that didn't matter anyway. It hasn't been charged in two weeks. If his phone does ring, there's a good chance he won't know how to answer it. Amazingly, he was a technology expert and has an incredibly intricate website that he writes all the code for. I do not want to be the one to answer his iPad questions!