Sixteen years ago, not long after I moved back to Albuquerque, I went to a friend’s birthday party and ran into Kyle playing basketball in the driveway. We knew of each other, but had never met until that day. We became fast friends after that and spent a lot of time hanging out together.
A little over a year later, on March 1, 2001, I invited Kyle over for breakfast and then tacked a note to the door in which I very cryptically told him I liked him. It was completely out of character for me…I’m usually very direct…but I was fearful of messing up the wonderful friendship we had enjoyed for the previous year. (I’d spent the previous two months grilling any guy I knew about how to tell if a guy likes you likes you or if he just considers you a friend. They got so sick of me asking that they vowed to not speak to me again until I fessed up to Kyle.)
Kyle came inside even though he had no idea what my note meant. Did I like him? Did I just consider him a friend? It was the most awkward breakfast ever. Neither of us could look at the other one. But in the end, we talked, and it turned out that we each had a secret crush on the other one. We kissed that morning, then made out on the couch, then left to go help my brother move. He knew we were together when he saw us walking across the parking lot, hand in hand, and jumped up and down with excitement. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Happily codependent. When people ask us how we’ve managed to spend 24-7 together for the past 4 years, we tell them that’s our favorite part of this lifestyle.
If our relationship was a young woman, today would be her Quinceañera. We’d dress her up in a big ball gown and head on down to the church for a mass of Thanksgiving, before having a big blowout party. Today, there won’t be a ballgown, a church, or a big blowout party, but there is definitely a lot of thanksgiving. There have been loads of adventures over the years. Lots of great stuff and a little bit of the bad as well. But we’ve faced all of it the same way we ended that day 15 years ago…hand in hand together. And for that we are incredibly grateful.
2 people, 5,479 days, 28 countries, 6 continents, 3 weddings (what can I say – we like marrying each other)…and counting…
We’ve been going through old photos and wanted to share some of our fave snapshots – of US! Please indulge us and enjoy some of our fave photos!
It’s hard to believe it’s been so many years. It made me smile reading the story and remembering the beginning. One of my favorite couples! Here’s to another 15 years.
Paige, the time has flown by! Sending love to you and Bret!
CONGRATULATIONS! Happy happy quince-versary to both of you!
Thanks, Kelly! Love and hugs to you and Jean! Will you be in ABQ over the summer? Because it looks like we will. Would love to see you two!
Maybe?! Jean is working in Vancouver and I am in New Orleans but I plan on being home by the Summer so please call me!
Awww congratulations guys! I love these photos – you have some gems haha :). Hope you have a wonderful indulgent day scoffing all the food you can find. xxx
Awww, thanks Pippa! Big hugs to you and Guy!
You are both so inspirational. The best to both of you on this special day of yours.
Awww, thanks Lowell & Rosemary! Big hugs to you both!
Simply. Incredible. Congratulations, Happy Anniversary, and let the good times continue to roll!
Thanks, Jay! Looking forward to your next big adventures as well!
Holy Moley! 15 years. I can remember when you talked about your “Friendship” with Kathy. I had a pretty good idea that there was more there for you my friend. As those of us that hung out with Kyle in college started to get married, I always hoped and prayed that Kyle would find the perfect soul for him. Who would have known that someone as perfect for him as Kathy is was out there. Everytime I think of the two of you I am conflicted with emotions. At the forefront is happiness and complete joy at knowing the two of you are living the life you want to live. Behind that sits the sadness at seeing you so seldom outside of Facebook and your Blog. Though we didn’t hang out as much as we used to before you left, it was comforting to know the two of you were near. Here is to many, many more years of wedded bliss and friendship. Yesterday we were in Inverness watching you get married. Now we watch your adventures from afar. Happy Quinteniversary (SP?). I love and miss you both.
Awww. This totally choked us up. Thank you so much for the amazing recollection and super kind words. See you soon. Love to all.