Light Night

Today is a day I look forward to as soon as people put up their Christmas lights (yes, even the ones on before thanksgiving).  It is the anniversary of Phil's and mine first date.  Today marks our twelfth year of going out and looking at lights.

Our story as a couple is kind of funny and we enjoyed going over the memories at lunch.  He had asked me out on a date for a few reasons.  Pity being one and giving me (who had never dated) a positive dating experience for the other.  I know, quite romantic, eh?  Don't worry, he has made it up to me since over the years.

We were really good friends at the time so I had told him that if he was going to take me out it had better be something other than sitting around and watching tv together.  I was assured that plans would be made.  For dinner we went to the cafeteria.  I had conflicting thoughts, did he make any plans or was he just saving his money for afterwards?  We went back to Phil's dorm and I was getting quite suspicious that no plans had been made.  After watching a show I asked what the plan was to which I got a surprised look and I thought this would be fine.  I said come on Phil this is my first date, I want to do something!  I said why don't you drive me around and look at Christmas lights.  He begrudgingly put on his coat and we walked through the bitter cold to his car.  When it wouldn't start he grinned 'aww shucks, guess we can't go'.  To which I responded by pulling my keys out and dangling them in his face saying he could drive my car.  Realizing he wasn't going to get out of it, Phil took my keys and my arm and away we went driving around the town looking at the lights.

We have gone out every year since, braving a newborn baby one year and blizzard on another to do so.  The matter of the fact is that this day is more special to us than our wedding anniversary.  We both agreed that when one of us dies this beloved day will be more difficult to bear than the others birthday or anniversary.  It not only marks the beginning of our relationship as a couple, but it is a family affair now too.  We go out donning our pajamas and drive around listening to Christmas music.  We drive while shrieks of 'look at this one!', 'oh oh dad go down there!', and 'that one is my favorite!' resonate from the backseat.  We drive until the littles are asleep and the olders are tired of looking on and are quiet.  In that silence it's like we are  beginning all over again.  We are driving and holding hands like we did in college, with smiles on our faces, and hope for our years of growing old together.

So when you turn the lights on tonight, know they hold a very special spot in our hearts.