Thirteenth

Triskadekaphobia – Fear of the number 13.

I have no such fear, but I love the word itself. After attempting to raise 3 kids for the last several years, I can tell you about a host of other things that easily cause me varying levels of anxiety. To fear something as simple as a number only suggests to me one might not have enough going on in life to genuinely or rationally fear.

I mention this since it is our 13th anniversary today, but I feel no such fear of it, as if there is something threatening on the horizon. Each new year can feel like just another number, but more often than not I’m astounded that it’s already been another year. In a way, it hasn’t felt nearly that long, which is to say that I’ve found my wife the most pleasant person with whom to have spent my time, such that it passes easily. “Choose well,” my father-in-law counsels new couples. I’m happy to say I followed his advice, and it remains the best choice I ever made.

This picture from our wedding day, walking into our reception, remains one of my favorites. I can’t quite tell you why except to say that our expressions are real, no artifice or uncertainty. We were happy to be together, and happy for what’s ahead. For my part, I was sure Jenny was the person I wanted to be with, and that remains true today.

So, in the spirit of choosing well, I choose to believe a number is just a number. That goes for “13” as well. May just be the best year yet for us both. Happy anniversary to my lovely wife.