To Commit to Memory

I was sitting on the sidewalk, in the shade of an old oak tree, waiting for AAA to return my call.  I had been there for nearly an hour, alternating between the shade and the 100° heat that filled my car.  The car needed a new ignition lock.  At the time I thought it was just stuck and continual tries at turning the key would magically get a rewarding response.  With blistering fingers and accumulating sweat running down my back, I was growing increasingly frustrated.

My phone rang.  My husband was on the other end, calling from the peaceful and serene beaches of a small island off the coast of South Carolina.  "I'm sorry you have to go through this," he said.  "I wish I were there."

"Why?" I blurted, my annoyance with the situation clearly shining through. "So you could sit here in the blazing sun and wait?"

"No," he replied softly, an almost hesitant response.  "So I could give you a hug and say 'Happy Anniversary.'"

Really? I thought.  Could it be?  It's 4:30 in the afternoon and I haven't realized it's my anniversary yet?  What was the date, anyway?

"No, Eric.  I would have remembered if we got married on 6-7-7.  Isn't it on the 9th?"

"No, Joy.  It's today.  Go home and check the blanket."  He was referring to an embroidered afghan we received four years prior.

After my apologies for forgetting, and my best "Happy Anniversary to you, too!" we hung up.  I never had been especially aware of dates, regardless of the occasion.

As I slouched through the next hour waiting on the locksmith to replace my ignition lock and make me a new set of keys, I decided to make a bitter situation light, and posted a very joyous, "Happy anniversary to the love of my life..." on facebook.  I was looking forward to the responses and congratulatory remarks of friends and family.

Once home I had deadlines to meet for a project I was working on.  As soon as I finished eating, I began diligently working, telling myself social networking would be a good reward after I had met the deadline.

Around 9:00 I felt the vibration signaling a new text. "Um didn't you get married on June 9th?"  It was from a long-time friend and bridesmaid in my wedding.  This situation warranted a break from my work immediately.  I quickly snatched the blanket from the back of the recliner.  There it was.  The bold blue numbers almost laughed at me.  June 9, 2007.  I immediately went to facebook.  Scattered through the expected congratulatory remarks were two more inquisitions from life-time friends questioning my proclaimed anniversary date.

I went back to the blanket and took a picture.  Then I sent the following text.

J: lover, our embroidered blanket quite clearly says June 9.
E: no way
J: here you go

E: but i already posted it on facebook

as if this somehow holds weight over our actual wedding date

J: me too, hours ago

E: i feel foolish

J: you and i both.  though now the blog will be much better

E: oh wonderful. at least now we can see each other

I do look forward to the few awake moments we'll have together tomorrow.  Will there be an anniversary celebration?  Probably not.  But two days later when we visit Morats, the bakery we still dream about, walk the sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and stroll the deserted streets in the pre-season days of this tourist town, we will remember.  It was here we spent our first anniversary.

Frozen wedding cake.  Miniature golf.  Endless sweets.  Peaceful sunsets. Walks in search of ice cream.

Perhaps we will be so fortunate to see a glimpse of our past as we walk hand-in-hand into our 5th year.