Two Decades Down, an Eternity to Go

A shoutout to my favourite love story.

Happy 20th Mum and Dad

Who would've thought that a ride to a party would blossom into almost 30 years of romance, a beautiful life built together, two amazing kids (especially the older one ;)), and a support system that has become a family in its own right. My parents, Mum and Dad, Mumsy and Pops, Mummy and Daddy, Misha and Wayne. I don't know what I would be if I had never had you guys for my parents. I feel so blessed that I grew up watching two people who loved each other unconditionally, who tolerated the good times with the bad, the moments of triumph with the pits of defeat, and who raised me into someone that I can be proud of. But this isn't about me. I feel so lucky to have watched a healthy and realistic portrayal of love between two people who would give the world for one another. You guys give me the inspiration to find a love like yours, not only for the kisses and hugs but for the difficult conversations, the arguments, and whatever other conflicts come our way. I appreciate how you balance each other out; both being strict, but one being a little more than the other (I'm talking about you Mr Misery). You guys have taught me lessons that now make me someone who is a friend to others and also in tune with myself.

Mummy, my best friend. I love you more than anything. I love how you're always there for me to talk to, open to hearing whatever it is I have to vent about, being a shoulder to cry on, a constant source of laughs and enjoyment. I miss our evening car rides from school, even though I was asleep half the time. Our late-night conversations about anything and everything. Afternoon walks with Max. Evening dinner where we just talk about our days. I miss being near you, hearing the jingle of your bracelets whenever you're approaching. Feeling your arms on my shoulders when you watch me at my desk working. I miss you pretending to laugh at my jokes, or listening to my rants about football even though you have no idea what I'm talking about. Everything I do, I do to make you proud. To see the smile on your face that can light up a room and hear your laugh until your sides hurt. You've always been my biggest fan, screaming at sports days, fighting for me when you feel I've been wronged, supporting whatever interests I may have had. Thank you for being such a good wife to Dad, a constant pillar of support and love. He's so lucky to have you.

Dad, Fitzy, Gerry, my G. You're the best example of how to be a man that I could ever have hoped for. I miss our afternoon car rides, even though sometimes I was reluctant to go, our many afternoons screaming at the screen while watching Man U stink up the place, our late-night conversations which often evolved into you just listening while I ramble on. Our mornings fixing whatever was broken. Even you rushing me to bed when I clearly wasn't done working, or lecturing me about not fixing things sooner. "A stitch in time saves nine" right? But in all seriousness, thank you for teaching me the lessons that I didn't want to hear, for making sure I was on the right track and for encouraging me to keep at whatever I was doing and persevere. I don't think I would be half the person I am today without your guidance and your love. Thank you for being such a good husband to Mummy. You guys deserve each other.

I could go on and on about my parents, but I won't, as there isn't enough space to fully explain how much they mean to me, separately and together. I love you Mum and Dad, Happy 20th Anniversary. To a lifetime more.