Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and affection, and for me, that means celebrating my wife, Blair.
I first met Blair at a party back in the fall of 2006. I was living the full life of a 19-year-old: taking classes at DCC, working at Davis Storage downtown in warehouses that are now breweries and apartments, playing baseball in the afternoon, fronting a punk rock band in the evening, and then having friends over at the apartment I shared with my friend, Josh Soffriti. If this sounds like a lot, it was. A doctor would later tell me I was suffering from what he called clinical exhaustion.
One fall evening, Josh and I went to a party at a house far off the beaten path, but a regular hangout for kids. Then walked in the girl that would change the rest of my life. Blair was the sister of a girl I was taking classes with at DCC, so naturally, I wanted an introduction. Blair’s sister introduced me as someone who “sounds just like that guy from Green Day.” The rest, as they say, is history.
For the last 16 years and counting, Blair and I have shared a life together. Through the good and the bad, we’ve always known we can count on each other. I’d like to tell you that, like a light switch, I instantly became this great person, but that wasn’t the case. Like most people, I’ve been a work in progress. I’m always trying to be better in different facets of my life.
Being married to Blair has made me a better person. She challenges me to be my best self and pushes me to be a more patient, understanding, and loving husband. I’m very grateful for that and hopefully, I have helped push her to achieve things she didn’t think were possible, as well.
Valentine’s Day is a special day, but for me, every day is a day to celebrate the love I have for Blair. I am so lucky to have her in my life and I look forward to many more Valentine’s Days, and many more years, together.