Happy 25th wedding anniversary to us

The first time I ever talked to my husband was in Ms. Giles’ fourth-grade class at Central Elementary in Belen. Matthew is as silly now as he was back then.

Playing on the swings or trying to dodge his tetherball serve, I would have never imagined that some 40 years later, Matthew and I would be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

We were pretty close friends growing up. While we didn’t necessarily run in the same circles, we are cut from the same cloth. In those early years, I would catch him — every now and then — sneaking a quick peak at me. It was very flattering considering I was looking at him, too.

As we got older, our feeling grew as well. While we didn’t have a full-fledged relationship until years later, we did have a few memorable moments in high school. Not only did we develop a true friendship during our teenage years, we later realized we were destined for one another.

During and after high school, we both went on our own ways. I had always wondered what had happened to my silly friend who I remembered had always made me feel special when I needed it.

Our senior year at Belen High School — Class of ᾿89 — was a pretty difficult year for the both of us, for similar and very different reasons. We could relate to what each other was going through and would just talk it through when needed.

We were in the same photography class our last semester, and I remember those few moments in the dark room with my friend meant the world to me. A smile, a bear hug and a listening ear really showed me who he was — and still is.

We were in two totally different spaces back then. Matthew and I couldn’t act on any feelings we might have had for one another, but his true intentions — friendship and caring — he showed me during that time made all the difference.

We remained close until the day we graduated from high school. By coincidence (or was it destiny?) that we were paired together to walk side-by-side during our graduation ceremony. We held hands, nervous and excited. We laughed, I cried a little and he blew bubbles.

Then, like all high school graduates, we went on with our own lives. I don’t think I saw Matthew until a few years later, and then after several more years, he called me out of the blue. It was a bit of a surprise but I sure welcomed it. At first, I was a bit weary of his intentions. We both had children. We both were living our separate and different lives. We also both needed a new start. We were that for each other.

It all seemed so right. We were married. We made a life for ourselves, for our family.

I’d like to say it’s been smooth sailing for the whole 25 years, but anyone who as been married or even in a long-term relationship will know that is never the case. Yes, we’ve had our rough times. We’ve fought about everything — about the kids, about money, about the household chores and responsibilities, about vacations and really probably everything under the sun.

Most of these fights occurred during our first years of our marriage — just like most couples. There were times that I’m sure we were both surprised that we were able to muddle through.

Well, we did. We’ve worked extremely hard at our marriage. We’ve cried and we’ve laughed. We’ve yelled and we’ve kissed. We’ve planned and we’ve saved.

Matthew and I have developed a marriage based on a lot of things — trust, respect, love and support. What I know — above all else — is we are best friends and will live the rest of our days hand in hand.