Happy Anniversary

-
Every year it rains on May 31st - you can thank my wife and I for that. We were married 11 years ago today in left field at the town park. I wore a Yankee cap as did everyone in the wedding party. A judge called our wedding - and as I love to joke - I should have asked for a jury.

The rain came down hard and cold that afternoon. Our friends and families drank enough to sink a ship. I may have drank the most. Springsteen was the music of choice, of course, and I did not have a single doubt in my mind that the life we were beginning was the absolute life that I wanted to lead. Rain and all, I still see things from the same vantage point.

One of the songs that meant a lot to me on that day 11 years ago was Real World by Springsteen - I remember listening to it at full volume on the way to the field.

"Mister trouble come walking this way, year gone past feels like one long day, but I'm alive and I'm feeling all right.

Well I ran that hard road out of heartbreak city, built a roadside carnival out of hurt and self-pity. It was all wrong, well I'm moving on.

Ain't no church bells ringing, ain't no flags unfurled, just you me and the love we're bringing into the real world.

I built a shrine in my heart, it wasn't pretty to see, made out of fool's gold, memory and tears cried. Now, I'm heading over the rise. I'm searching for one clear moment of love and truth, I still got a little faith, but what I need is some proof tonight. I'm looking for it in your eyes.

Ain't no church bells ringing, ain't no flags unfurled, just you me and the love we're bringing into the real world.

Well tonight I just want to shout, I feel my soul waist deep and sinking into this black river of doubt. I just want to rise and walk along the river side, and when the morning comes, baby I don't want to hide. I'll stand right at your side with my arms open wide.

I want to find some answers, I want to ask for some help. I'm tired of running scared, baby, let's get our bags packed, we'll take it here to hell and heaven and back and if love is hopeless, hopeless at best, come on put on your party dress, it's ours tonight, and we're going with the tumbling dice.

Ain't no church bells ringing, ain't no flags unfurled, just you me and the hope we're bringing into the real world. - Bruce Springsteen

My wife and I sign five year contracts for our marriage - I re-upped last year to take us through 15 years - can't see any reason for re-negotiating the contract - Happy Anniversary - we are still bringing faith, hope and love into the Real World.

Comments

deafjeff said…
send me copy or the contract, that I gotta see. She has to be getting rooked.
03 June, 2008
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more