Tuesday, January 27, 2009

1992

Yesterday, I saw that Rob was tagged in a facebook photo from one of his friends from high school. It was during a stint as a best man, and the date on it was 1992, the year we met. It brought back a rush of fond memories: that awkward and exciting getting-to-know-you phase, that not so awkward first kiss, those many hours up late on the phone with each other... It's hard to imagine a me that didn't know him, but there it was, the most familiar face to me at a time I didn't have it in memory (at least consciously ;-)). In short and of course, it got me all emotional.

Just then the boys got home from karate and ran into the office, and immediately laughed, seemingly with incredulity, at the sight of their dad so... um... how to say such nicely? Unseasoned? They can be blunt; I told Rob at least they don't keep drawing him as bald. I'm not bald!

Anyway, I told them that was their dad when I first met him, and I went over a short version of the story they already know. Alan then asked to see what I looked like at that same time, in that adorable putting-together-a-narrative way he has. The only photo from that year I could find was my high school senior photo, but that worked great; at least we were both in formal wear and both just months before we met.
Looking at them side-by-side I'm struck by both the mystery and fate those 1992 faces hold for us (that, and by the 1990's hair).

We didn't know each other when those non-digital cameras snapped those images. In fact, we both thought we'd never be able have what we have today. But in a matter of months everything would fall into place and our union would never stop growing from there. In a matter of years we'd be changing diapers and rocking our boys to sleep, something that would have struck me, at least, about as possible as the US electing a racial minority for a president in 2008.

Thank goodness for the ignorance of young adults, right? It leaves room for some great surprises.

7 comments:

Scott said...

<sniff>

Sarah and I graduated in 1992 as well. We've been together about as long as you have.

It's amazing how much has changed since then (... it's amazing how much has changed in the last six months), but a few things haven't changed--like how much we mean to each other.

It's obvious that you and Rob feel the same way, and I'm sure that everyone who meets you and sees how much you love each other comes away with a different view (of what a gay relationship can mean) than they had before.

Beck said...

This last weekend, coincidentally, I stumbled across our engagement photos and our "80s hair". Floods of memories and emotions erupted within me. We aren't those people anymore and it's hard to remember that we were that "good looking" at one time.

Lots of thoughts are flying through my head... Thanks for this glimpse into your past.

Anonymous said...

Cute! I just love you guys! I am now starting that journey myself and what a wonderful feeling it is to be in love!

C. L. Hanson said...

I just followed the link and read your whole story on isocrat.org -- beautiful and very touching! All the best to you and your sweet family!

Anonymous said...

Sweet. And I enjoyed reading more of your story in the link. May the next 17 years bring even more wonderful life events and changes in our world! Geez, we might even be grandparents by then. And have full-fledged federal marriage! One can hope (for the latter, at least)... Hey, while we're hoping, how about an out lesbian moho mother of color president! ;)

Scot said...

Scot "It's amazing how much has changed since then"

Times a funny thing.

Have your kids asked you if they had cars back then yet? Mine have... :-)

"I'm sure that everyone who meets you and sees how much you love each other comes away with a different view (of what a gay relationship can mean) than they had before."

I don't know. We've met Gayle a while back, and she hasn't changed a bit. She probably thinks we're just paid to stay together with meth and Gucci subsidies from the Gay Mafia, and our children are little people actors.

Beck "We aren't those people anymore and it's hard to remember that we were that "good looking" at one time."

As I often say, if there's one thing I'm glad to have "wasted" it's my youth ;-).

I enjoyed your post too Beck. It must be something about the end of winter causing all this looking back.

"I am now starting that journey myself and what a wonderful feeling it is to be in love!"

I'm so happy for you, D.

And thanks C.L.

Guy "May the next [20] years bring even more wonderful life events and changes in our world! Geez, we might even be grandparents by then."

There, I fixed it. Needed more time for them to finish graduate school ;-).

"Hey, while we're hoping, how about an out lesbian moho mother of color president! ;)"

As long as she's Hindu as well.

Scot said...

Oops, Scott, sorry I dropped your last t. That's the only way I keep from getting more confused about our names than I already am.