nine years - five years - five months

Nine years ago, to the day, I met this guy for our first date.

Five years ago, to the day, I married this guy.

Five months ago, to the day, I said my final goodbyes to this guy, thanking him for everything.

If I could do it all over again, I would. Ramón made my life better in countless ways, and he often reminded me how lucky I was to have him. I balked at his remarks, but I knew they were true. Others might view today – and the coming holidays – with sadness for me, knowing things look vastly different. Though it’s true that life is unrecognizable this year, the past nine years (and counting) have affirmed Ramón’s viewpoint: I am pretty dang lucky.