Today will mark 3 years of dating for Sean and me. And, yes, two church going Orthodox Christians had to get together on one of the strictest fast days of the year. It makes it all so much more fun.

I have held off blogging about our Anniversary in the past for various reasons but this year is different. I know this is the year where he and I grew together the most. Our relationship has really matured and become something extremely precious to me. At the risk of sounding cliche, I depend, admire and love him more every day.

I was interested in him since I was thirteen years-old. Knowing my age, I didn't tell him, just admired from afar. After 3 years of wishin' and hopin', I had concluded that I would wait until I graduated high school to tell this 19 year-old that I had some heavy-duty feelings for him. By this time, most everyone at St. Barnabas knew that I was interested. I can't tell you how many people asked me if I liked Sean.

I still don't really believe that Sean was completely oblivious to my admiration. He definitely acted as though he liked me. Like putting his arm around me at an angel's game (then ignoring me for three weeks, which I haven't really let him live down ;).), But, at the same time, he confused me quite a bit too. At Grace and Ben's wedding, I sat next to him and he did not look at me or speak to me once. He had brought a portable tv and just focused on it. His dad said to me, "Well, Erica, if you ever marry Sean. This may be what it's like." I turned a different shade of red and Sean gave his dad quite the evil look.

But, finally, one Sunday while the Bishop was talking, he held my hand. This time Sean was determined to find out how I felt about him. And we were up until 5:00 am on September 14 talking about it. I had been planning to wait until I graduated high school to say anything but you know that saying, "If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans."

There is so much more to the story but I'll leave it at that.

All this to say, happy anniversary Sean. Also, thank you Lord for bringing us together. Amen.