"What's the story morning glory? What's the word hummingbird?"
Ben and I met on this day exactly 17 years ago - we were just eighteen years old. But what does this have to do with the musical Bye Bye Birdie....well let me explain.
My sister had a smallish chorus part in our local amateur theatrical society's production Bye Bye Birdie. Ben's cousins, who happened to live across the paddock from my family (and whom I attended the same school with) were also participants in the a fore mentioned show. On the night of the final performance, I went along to watch my sister in her big starring moment, as any lovely older supportive sister would. Ben had travelled 3 and a half hours from his home town to see his cousins perform also. After the performance there was a cast party, for which my sister insisted I attend. Ben's cousins also insisted he join them for the revelries. Was there match-making afoot - you better believe it. My sister takes full credit for the introductions which went something like this..."Michelle, meet Ben" swiftly followed by "Ben, meet Michelle". Hmm, powerful words, what a natural born cupid you are Lou! From that moment on I can tell you nothing of the events at the party, who was there or what went on. I had eyes for only one person and obviously the feeling was mutual. At the end of the night when Ben took me by the hand I knew in that moment we'd be seeing each other again! Was the fact that we lived almost 300 kilometres apart a consideration? Certainly not. No, it wasn't a deterrent in the least.
You don't really need someone to complete you...
you only need someone to accept you completely! - source unknown
And here Ben and I are now, 17 years later, a lot older and certainly wiser. We've achieved so much together; thirteen years of marriage so far, two great kids and adventures too numerous to mention. Not a day goes by where I don't think how lucky we are. To find someone on your wave-length is precious. I'm thankful Ben and I agree on many things, most of the time! As a couple, our ideals and decisions haven't always suited or been easily understood by those connected to us. Life isn't perfect, it's messy, unpredictable and complicated. What gets us though is the comfort we share in our mutual convictions, always knowing we have each others full support and understanding. At the end of the day when my head hits the pillow, I sleep soundly, secure in the knowledge that the man beside will always back me to the hilt.
The memory of our first meeting is etched on my heart forever (always with the soundtrack of Conrad Birdie singing One Last Kiss...). Those first impressions are as clear to me now, as though we met just yesterday.
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What a fabulous 17 year journey! Goodness we have a long way to go yet, but it's going to be great. I can't say I'm looking forward to growing old, but knowing Ben and I are moving in the same direction together makes it seem all the more bearable!
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