And then I knew I want to marry her

I want to tell you a story I haven't even told your parents. I told my grandkid one night when she asked me about how to know if you love someone. It happened almost 73 years ago in May 2021. It's a story about your grandmother and me. I know, I know...you asked me for advice, but, dear, I am sure this will answer some of your questions—if not all. Pass me that cup of tea, let me settle into my chair, and then we can start. 

Your grandma and I have been together for a long long time now and I can tell you with absolute certainty that love is real. For one, I've felt it every day since she said she loves me, and secondly, I can't imagine no one else putting up with my little idiosyncrasies like she has. Oh, how wonderful these 73 years have been. You can even use part of that happiness to explain the wrinkles on my face from all of that smiling. All jokes aside, let me tell you about the moment I knew that I wanted to marry her. It was a gorgeous day as I got to wake up right next to her. I had just caught a flight from home the previous day and I hadn't seen her for almost more than 2 months. I went home for summer from college—we both went to the same college, she had just graduated and I was about to start my third year. If you must know then I was older, but I had taken 2 years off for national service that was mandatory to complete back in my home country. Anyways, I had landed back in the US, took a train to meet her, and there she was. Beautiful as ever. I never told her this, but I was about to tear up when I saw her. That smile could brighten up my darkest moments and these eyes had the power to level me completely. That girl held the power to destroy my world, but for some reason, I wasn't afraid. 

This isn't the most important thing I want you to know about loving someone. I felt so comfortable and at ease around her. You know how with some people conversation just won't feel natural and feels like a static you get on TV—well you might not know what the static on TV means, but it is truly uncomfortable. Meanwhile, with other people, you sit down and a most beautiful symphony begins to play without you doing anything. It was an instant symphony with her. So, I went to her, we hugged, we kissed. Oh, that kiss was incredible. Let me tell you, that kind of kiss made my heart skip a beat. I know, I know, that's not what you want to hear. I can see it from your face. It is rather amusing I might add. 

That time I stayed at the apartment on the college campus. We made our way there and decided to put on some music and cook a lovely dinner. Whilst she was chopping some onions, I walked behind her, put my hands around her waist, kissed the back of her neck, and whispered into her ear, "I love you more than any word in any language could ever describe. My heart wants you and my soul lights up like a kid in a candy store when with you. You are the one for me, I love you." Rest from that night is a secret…. I could tell you though, but I am sure you know all about what me and her did that night seeing that we are in a bar sharing a drink. I would rather not tell you anyways, strangers don't have to know the details of my lovemaking with my wife from years back. If you get my drift. Anyways, the story continues. As I said, the morning was incredible, especially the feeling of ease and peace in my mind. I think that is how you know you love someone. I still believe that if you ask me. For me, it has always been wondering out loud with someone and with your grandma, I could do that. You know, maybe it is the 6th whiskey in my hands, but I want to tell you that one time we were at the park at night and we read poetry to each other. Poetry really makes you vulnerable if you ask me. The moment I woke up and went to make her breakfast I knew that I wanted to be with her forever. I wouldn't want any morning to go by without seeing her, I don't want anyone else to share my life with, my reality. The funny thing is that my grandkid smiled, said Ewww, and went on to play with her toys. I smiled. I know that this isn't the story you wanted to hear, but I miss my wife. I don't know how you are supposed to keep going once you lose your whole world. The home we built together just isn't the same without her. I guess it is true that the most wonderful things in this life can only be felt by our hearts. There is a trick though. You have to have your heart wide open. Here is to keep your heart open and for the right person to guard it for you. I know this isn't exactly what you asked about, but I don't know what else to tell you. You only know you love someone when you sincerely love someone. Not before, not later. Everything you are going to do in this life is going to get you closer to that true love. Everybody who is meant to be in your life is going to be in your life. Don't worry yourself about what was yesterday, you can't change it. The future is already a mystery. So enjoy the gift we call the present. Know that you are loved, and occasionally enjoy a beer or two in the bar. Feel the world. I really should have said it to my grandkid, too. Not only a stranger in a bar listening to an old man rambling. I'm sorry by the way. Maybe she would have chosen better.