Friday, April 1, 2011

Today our love and commitment turns 12

Our wedding day in San Francisco - but years after we met.

Today Luiz and I are celebrating 12 years together. We’ve come a long way together, literally and figuratively. But I don’t think either of us has had a second thought about being a couple since the first night we met (well, actually it was in the early hours of the morning – but that story is never told).

Literally weeks after we met Luiz was encouraging me to buy a ticket to Brazil and travel with him. It was May or June and he already had his ticket for December to fly home. Buy early, save big. I told him – “I might not even like you in December!” He scoffed at the very idea and said –“Just go ahead and buy the ticket. It will cost a lot more in November when you finally decide you still like me.”

I bought the ticket.

Since then we have traveled across four continents together and have come to settle in Brazil.

We are each other’s best friend. We are forever patient and forgiving with each other. And we challenge and support each other in our endeavors individually or as a couple.

We were married once in San Francisco, domestic partnered once by the City of San Francisco and once by the State of California. We had the privilege (cough) of having our relationship recognized as real by an employer of mine for the purpose of partner health benefits (we had to prove we shared a bank account, a will, and an apartment rental agreement) and have had our relationship certified as a “Stable Union” by the Brazilian government.

This morning - Luiz making a ham and cheese omelet for the two of us.

A friend once asked me: “So which day is your anniversary?” We stick with the morning I woke up in Luiz’s bed the day after we met (but that is the story that is never told).

18 comments:

kla2brtanik2 said...

Congratulations to the two of you! It sounds like you have a wonderful, loving relationship.

Rachel said...

You two are an example to the rest of us couples! Hope you have the perfect day to go with the perfect relationship!

Meredith said...

Congratulations!! And let there be many more years to come...

Anonymous said...

"We are each other’s best friend. We are forever patient and forgiving with each other. And we challenge and support each other in our endeavors individually or as a couple." - Not many are so lucky to have this. I know what it's worth too. So happy for you both! Enjoy the day.

SN said...

Congrats! Stories of years together always make my heart smile. May your happiness endure forever!

Sara

The Reader said...

Many congratulations, Jim & Luiz!! May the next twelve years, and the next twelve, and the next twelve, and the....well, may the following years all be as wonderful & even better than these past twelve have been.

Jim said...

Thank you all so much! We are off for a sushi lunch. Great celebration.

Jim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rosa said...

Felicidades Jim and Luiz! I am very happy for both of you. Glad to see that two great people found each other.

Tracy said...

I want to hear "the story that is never told"! hehe
Congratulations on your beautiful commitment and life together. You're one of the lucky ones. ;)

Tracy said...
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Unknown said...

Love it. Always steady and a real inspiration to all couples! Congrats you two :)

American Heart Brazilian Soul said...

Dear Jim,

Congratulations to you and Luiz!
You are one of the priviledge few who finds true love! :)
Wish you many more years of happiness and health to enjoy it together!
Hope to be in Brazil soon and meet you guys in person.
Send a big hug to Luiz from Gil and I.

Um forte abraco para voce tambem!

Ray

King C said...

I like to see your story! What a nice relation.
I hope I can marry my Paulistano ;).

Stephanie said...

Congratulations! I wish you unending happiness and many more years of love, success and the good life together. bjs

Jana said...

Wishing you both the very best! Parabens!! You guys are such a great couple!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, parabens!

Fiona said...

Aww. congratulations! Happiness is catchy, I have a smile from ear to ear as I read your post.