Moments

So many moments, over the years. They'd likely all be lost in time (like tears… in rain… (cue the Vangelis) no wait, sorry, wrong letter), but they are forever etched into my memory. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't forget them…

You, tapping me on the shoulder from behind at a scout meeting. The first and, so far, last time our bodies have come into physical contact.

Me, nervous as a school boy, calling you to beg for a ride to pick my sick kid up from school. Didn't have to beg. Almost didn't even have to ask. You were happy to do it. A few times (thanks for those, btw!)

When you stopped by while I was finishing up repairing the retaining wall for our front garden and we chatted for a moment.

My first, perhaps second spring here, and you told me I shouldn't expect the weather to be so warm so soon most years (you were right, man were you right..).

All of the Halloweens. All of them. But especially Elastigirl. Oh. My. But. Also. For entirely different reasons, the Weeping Angel. I still have difficulty blinking in your presence. Though, there may be other reasons for that as well…

When my kid taught your kid the word “bastard.” Oops. Sorry about that. Who knew Bender would be such a bad influence on an eight-year-old?

A few days later, a whole big bunch of us sitting with our feet in your pool. Talking about how my kid had taught your kid the word “bastard”. Good times.

When you invited us to play Scene It? sometime. And we never did. I wish we had. Want to come over and play Drawful or something sometime?

When you've tossed me a joke, and I've dropped it. Multiple times, lately. I love your sense of humor, I'm just tongue-tied and twisted when you're around nowadays.

When my doggo stuck his nose where it most definitely doesn't belong. Sorry about that. I'd swear he was better trained than that, but… well you'd know I'd be lying.

The donation you made to Humane Society after he passed, and the card they sent us. It's with the rest of our mementos of him… his ashes, the collar he wore for the last 2/3 of his life, his leash, a paw print impression, and the card from Humane Society with your name on it.

All those FB hearts on my Buy Nothing gives that one weekend.

Stupid, I know, but when you gave me that FB like on a picture of our new dishwasher… In the middle of the night… after we saw each other when you came to pick your kids up from my torch-lit backyard after a birthday party.

Your face, lit by those torches in my backyard when you came to pick your kids up from that birthday party.

When y'all came over to look through my telescope, then as you were heading home I said something that you totally could have just tossed a response over your shoulder for, but you came back and talked to me, across the fence, for a few more seconds… every second…

Speaking of over-the-shoulder, those over-the-shoulder smiles. I think I've only gotten three of them… Maybe four, except you were all the way in your driveway and I was all the way in mine so you were not much more than a speck, but I am nearly certain you looked, you looked. Over your shoulder. And smiled.

The smile when I told you about our crazy new cat.

The way your eyes absolutely glowed in the setting sun and somehow we were talking about zombie movies.

Making fun of my cargo shorts on the river rapids ride.

Mirroring you… or were you mirroring me? At the Italian Ice social.

All those times just standing at the bottom of your driveway, enjoying your presence even if she was the one doing all the talking.

Her trying to convince me to have another beer while we were talking to you. I still have no idea what that was about, but in truth I would have loved - would still love - nothing more than to grab a drink with you and chat freely. Somewhere quiet. I don't hear well in crowds. Sorry, that sucks but it's me.

When you were lamenting how you were going to have to start getting yourself (and your kids) used to getting up early again, and I revealed that I was a morning person.

When you stared and stared as I was walking down the street towards your house. I know you were staring off into space, I do buy that I do I do, but… You were staring into space in exactly my direction. Oh. And that embarrassed little dip you did. I don't believe I've ever seen anything so cute in my entire life.

That night you locked yourself out of your car. Your hesitation before getting out to run in the house and get your spare key. Just… being in the car with you, just for a few minutes…

When we were marveling at the size of the middle school, and you told me just how incredibly small your high school was.

That outfit you were wearing, and the way you had your hair, when I ran into you at the sixth-grade orientation for our younger set.

Telling me about Cincinnati while we waited in line. My god, your eyes… It was all I could not to dive down into them…

The various neighborhood parties. Just. Seeing you at them, even if we didn't talk much, or at all.

You. Just. You.

It may have taken a while for me to completely lose my mind, but… It's been there from the start. It's been you. From the start. And I don't think we're anywhere near the end. So I can't wait. I can't wait to see what moments the future brings. See you around!