Study

I was briefing some Airmen the other day and arrived at open question time. It’s always my favorite because it’s unpredictable and fun. Someone asked me about the schools I’ve gone to and I rattled off a list of schools I had no business attending (let alone graduating from). One of the Airmen then asked, “What is your favorite thing to study?” and I fired back, “My wife.” Immediately, my throat pulled tight and my eyes started to water. 

Such reactions aren’t rare occurrences for me. I can gush at just about anything—Burger King bags left in empty parking spots, a chance sighting of a butterfly, rain hitting the roof—but I was surprised at how quick I was to answer. It was honest and natural. I just can’t get enough of her. She incessantly surprises me with who she is, who she is becoming. Sometimes, when she’s asleep, I’ll turn on the bathroom light so it falls onto her back and draw constellations between her freckles and moles. Sometimes, I’ll fall back asleep. Most of the time, I don’t.

I don’t pretend to be an expert on the subject of Meghan. Why would I want to be? There’s a certain amount of mystery that keeps me falling in love with her over and over again. I’ve just chosen to fall in love over and over again with whoever she happens to be. She’s the butterfly I never want to pin down. 

-be cool and care