My Man is Half a Century

 See the guy in the middle? Winking at you? That is my guy, Keith.  He turned 50 the night of the picture, he has a black badge on his shirt to prove it.  I have had him for 33 of his 50 years.  I met him and started being his when he was  17.  I was 16– WE have changed a bit.  Keith actually has not changed that much.  He is a strong man, physically, mentally,spiritually. Always has been. He is of good character, always has been. He has high standards he expects himself to meet, he does not accept failure in himself, again, always. Keith has always been  dependable. He is a leader. He believes in working, working hard, for your living. Keith is a friend to anyone who needs one. And to those who don’t need a friend, he leaves them alone. Keith loves, honors and protects those he is responsible for. He has a tough exterior, but he is a lover and poet on the inside.

The changes of Keith, since that fateful day at the pool where we met,  are not him, but his circumstances. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Builder, Carpenter, Supervisor, Harp Player, Gluten Free, Rum Drinker, Husband of a chunky chic. The list goes on, the additions to the Keith package.  He has done them all in the style and perfection of ‘Keith’. Well.

I love this guy. I forget sometimes. I will be looking at him, listening to him , watching him, and suddenly I realize HIM, I see him, clearly. I feel all the love, adoration and pride of him.  All the negative, ‘wish he woulds…’  memories of disappointments disappear. Then I remember , I LOVE this guy. He is an amazing man, and I have been blessed to have him in my life more than anyone else,– Ever.

Oh yeah, those other two guys,  Lee our oldest, is on the left and Brian our second son is on the right.  They don’t know it yet, but they have an awesome dad. I hope someday they can fill his shoes  boots.