As many of you may know, my wife Julie and I fell in love very fast. I knew after our first date that I’d met the woman I would marry and with whom I would grow old. Mot of our friends and family embraced the news with joy. Still, there were some who questioned our sanity. I’ll never forget being told back in 1993 that two of my friends were discussing our relationship. “He thinks he knows what he’s doing,” one said, as if choosing to get married was some folly. I still don’t look at Julie and I together as a choice; I believe it was fate. It’s the only way I can explain how two people, after one month, understood that they were meant to get married, and remain married after 14 years. She is everything to me: lover, friend, support, even guardian. After reading last week’s entry about my friend Matt, Julie commented, “You know, it’s funny, because sometimes I’m still angry because he hurt you … It’s a protection thing.” How blessed am I to have a companion who looks out for me, even against someone who has passed away. I can’t imagine this life’s journey without her. She means everything to me. (more…)