Michael and I celebrated our first New Year’s Eve together at my friend Rachel’s party (Happy birthday, dear Rae!) over winter break in college as 1977 turned into 1978.
It was our second or third date and I was smitten. I was practically strutting because he had cancelled his other plans so we could be together on New Year’s Eve, and I felt alive with the mystery and anticipation of what was to come.
I was totally, madly in love.
Now, 37 new years later, the big mystery is where we put our keys and whether we left the garage door open. We have bills, health issues, grown kids and aging parents to worry about. The habits we found quirky and endearing in each other now often drive us crazy.
There are days we look at each other and think, “Who are you?”
I’m sure he’s asked that a lot this year, as my hormones have taken on a life of their own. And I hope he’ll remember. I’m the one he’s spent decades laughing with. The one with whom he can communicate a whole story with just a look. The one whose hand is always there for his.
And I will remember the day he got on a bus to Boston with me because he didn’t want to say goodbye. The weekend he took me to Paris for my 50th birthday and massaged my feet every night. The way he calls to ask if I want him to pick up ice cream on his way home.
And I will turn off the light he left on without making a comment. And hope he’ll do the same when I turn on to our street without signaling.
And, although I’ve always loved him, I will fall totally, madly in love with him all over again.
And, as the ball drops at midnight Eastern time, I will kiss him with the memory of 37 new years past and the mystery and anticipation of at least 37 more to come.
Who can argue with a story of true love? Happy new year to you!
yes, it’s sweet to hear your story, did you show him this post? Happy New Year!
I love reading this! Happy 37th! In days where marriages don’t last longer than 37 days, its refreshing to hear you two are celebrating your 37 New Year’s together! Paris for the weekend…WOW!
I know, Paris sounds amazing. I hope my husband does that for my 50th!
I-I-I, let me catch my breath and wipe my tears, ok, I love you Lolo
Awww, you guys are too cute. Happy New Year to you both!
Thanks, and you too, Robin!
Ah, now I am wondering why I don’t remember my first NY with Steve (which was also probably 1977). We had some fun ones…but tonight? Staying in with our ukuleles. Which feels just perfect. Happy New Year!
How sweet! Happy New Year to you and your husband! 37 years, wow!
Happy New Year to you and your entire family, Lois. How sweet.
Same to you, Cathy! xo
Beautiful and makes me smile. Sometimes it is worth thinking back to that initial rush of attraction and giddy love. Happy New Year to you and Michael.
Thanks, Jamie, and happy new year to you too!
That was so beautiful and so inspiring. Happy New Year to both of you!
John and I are excited to be celebrating our 9th New Year together tonight.
Thank you, and happy 9th New Year to you and John!
37 years, that is fantastic. I am on 21 years and I can not wait to be able to say 37.
Congratulations! Don’t rush it — it goes so fast as it is!
Aww it sounds like you got a good one! Congrats on the anniversary of sorts š
I love this so much! And I love both of you. Happy New Year and I can’t wait to see you in 2015. xoxo
Ahh… so sweet! Enjoy your 37th NYE kiss! This will be our 34th (I think; I can’t remember. Might be 33… or 35. Wonder if he knows!?!)
Happy New Year to you and yours. Cheers to the adventures that await in 2015!
That is such a sweet post! I love how the mysteries have changed, too..even over just four years on this end! And what a great pic of y’all! Happy New Year!!!
What beautiful words about your relationship. Congratulations on 37 New Years. You are an inspiration.
Awww, what a sweet story! Congrats on the many years together and I wish you many more!
Aw, what sweet memories. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!
This is amazing. 37? I can only hope. With my hubby! Happy new year to you, what a lovely story!
Aw, what a great story! Happy New Year to you both!! I hope that the next 37 years are even better.
What a sweet story!
Happy New Years to the both of you!
Here’s to many many happy years ahead.
Congratulations! And Happy New Year! I love that you dedicated this to the love you have for Michael. I’m going to take a moment and RE fall too! š
Happy 37th New Year! What a wonderful story! He’s to many more fantastic New Years š x
You need to put “tissue warnings” at the beginning of these my friend! I love this perfectly told love story – and not just because I adore the leading lady and leading man!
Congratulations on a long married life. To many, many more!
Aw happy new year eve anniversa. what a beautiful post and tribute to your husband.
Wow, that is awesome! Congrats and Happy New Year to you!
That is so cool. Congratulations and many more for you.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. I weekend is Paris must have been amazing.
Wow, I have to think about how many New Year’s I have celebrated with my husband. I think seven! What a great memory.
37 years! Wow. That is an amazingly long time. Hope you guys have many more years to ring in the New Year.
Now that is one awesome NYE and Love story! Congrats!
Wow, 37 years is awesome. I can’t wait to get there with my sweetheart.
That’s so wonderful! We just celebrated our 10th new year together!
Beautifully written! Happy New Year! Wishing you a blessed 2015!~
37?! That’s awesome! I hope you guys have more years to come!
What a sweet story, 37 years! That is fantastic. Congratulations, and wishing you both a very happy New Year š
Happy 37th New Year to you! That is so awesome that you’ve celebrated so many New Years together!
happy new year! I hope you have many more to go as well. it’s always fun seeing a new year begin with so much potential.
Your story is so sweet. Congratulations on your 37th year together. I hope you guys have many more together.
I hope I can say I fall madly in love after 37 years, we are only at 15. Congrats to you.
37 years! Amazing. Way to start off 2015 and I hope that you continue to have Happy New Year!