Steve sent me that picture of sea otters a while ago because “they remind me of us,” he said. You see, sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don’t float away from each other. As lame as it sounds, Steve and I have always held hands in bed before falling asleep. So I guess we are kind of like sea otters. It usually doesn’t last too long, though, because as soon as he drifts off and starts snoring, I need my hand back so I can smack him.

October 17th marked our 7 year wedding anniversary. We’ve been together close to 10 years in total. When I look back at our wedding photos, my first thought is, “I can’t believe I married you with that hair,” but then I think about all of the exciting adventures we’ve had in the last 10 years and how great it is to have my best friend as my partner in life. We’ve always been on the same page with just about everything, and we share the same morals, values, and beliefs. He’s also one of few people who I can tolerate being around for extended periods of time, which helps when you’re stranded on an island together.

I had a few friends question my sanity when I told them about our plans to move to St. Croix. Most of their concerns stemmed from the fact that it would be just the two of us alone with no other friends. We’d have to (gasp!) spend time together. The horror! To those people, I say, you clearly haven’t met the right person if the thought of spending your days with them seems daunting. For nearly 10 years Steve and I have spent almost every day together. And, in our short time here, we have managed to connect with a great group of 6-8 people who we really enjoy spending time with.

Someone told me once that you know you are with the right person when he’s willing to support you and your dreams. Steve has always supported me 100% in everything I do. He left his home, his career, his Mustang (!), his friends, and his life behind to follow me and my crazy dream of living on an island. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be doing this with. Plus, who else would hold my hand at night so I don’t float away?

Happy (belated) anniversary, Steve! Thank you for making my dreams come true. Love you!