Why I Love Arich

On February 12, 1995, I remember discussing with a friend over espresso how we would never stoop so low as to subject ourselves to an institution as patriarchal and oppressive as marriage. On Valentine's Day 1995 (two days later), in his apartment at UCSC, an adorable, long-haired, granola-boy art student looked up at me with his big blue eyes from down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes without hesitation. It has remained my crowning act of hypocrisy, and one of the best decisions I ever made.

That was 13 1/2 years ago today (we were engaged 6 months), and we were 21 and 19, so we've pretty much grown up together. (Arich has literally grown one inch in height.) Anyway, I just wanted to give him a shout out in this post, because he deserves it. So here it goes...

Why I love Arich and why I am a very lucky girl:

1. He has put up with me for 13 years. This is no small feat. Ask my brothers. (And consider the little convo about patriarchal oppression. Imagine being married to that flailing girl, and waiting patiently for her to grow up. So many wouldn't have; he continues to.)
   
2. He taught me to drive stick.


3. He taught me to lock my front door.


4. He lets me take the glory for his original witty quips (sometimes).


5. He doesn't put up with my evil side.


6. He loves our son more than he loves himself, and he's a dynamo of a dad.
   
7. He's gracious, forgiving and patient.


8. He will not stop until it's beautiful. This applies to the concrete, the spiritual... everything.


9. He's a hard worker, dedicated, honest and exceedingly loyal.


10. He tries with all that he has to please God and do His will.


11. He's an astonishingly adept spiritual leader, and he's been my most influential teacher.


12. He's the wisest person I have ever known. I don't say this lightly. I mean it.

I love you, babe. Thanks for 13 awesome years. I wouldn't change a single one, and I look forward to a whole bunch more. You're my hero.

Love,

Syble Sharon Shay Harrison ;)