07/07/2024
❤️❤️HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ❤️❤️
As the weeks, months, years, and decades of memories slowly fade into obscurity, I find myself telling our story year after year. But for me it’s worth telling over and over again. Because, [it was meant to be.]
You see, to this day I still consider myself “Lucky” and “Blessed”. Lucky to have met her and blessed to still be here to share and celebrate our journey! And what an incredible, and amazing journey we've had thus far.
Thirty-three (33) years ago we happened upon each other at different stages of our lives and careers. I’m about ready to wrap mine up and she’s just getting started. But none of that matters.
It was a brisk August day in Mannheim Germany - when I noticed a sweet, innocent 19 year old headstart student doing her best to speak and understand the German language.
She literally took my breath away. As I gasped for air - I had an epiphany, somewhere in my repertoire there [is] was a collection of German phrases, that I learned while on my first tour in Mainz, Germany (Lee Barracks). Those phrases laid dormant for over 13 years, and on this particular day they beckoned to be weaponized.
I was still somewhat young, a bit witty and super quick to offer my assistance. I proceeded to impress her with my ability to regurgitate German phrases (that I had committed to memory). All the while, knowing full well that I left my heart completely and utterly unsecured, unguarded with the key dangling in an unsecured manner.
Well, thirty-three (33) years later that key remains secure in her possession and we've embraced this journey through rough and turbulent times [as one] - I will have it no other way. She’s “MY FOUNDATION & MY ROCK". “ich liebe dich meine frau”.
Happy Anniversary Mrs. Finney!
