Very rarely do we recognize the moments that will change our lives when they happen. And just as seldom are we able to recall them once we realize their importance. But sometimes we get lucky.

At 7:27 AM on August 31, 1987 my life didn’t change. But I saw something that would, eventually, change everything about my life. It was the first day of my senior year, and like a good little A student I’d gotten there early so by 7:27 I’d already found my first class (Computer Programming II, Mr. Koski) and plopped down, exhausted—who makes teenagers start school at 7:30?

So I was watching the door to see who else was in the class with me, and who I might already know. At 7:27 in bounced a tangle of wild hair surrounding the most brilliant smile. Later that same class she said hi to me, and by Wednesday she’d actually forced me to talk—you think I’m shy now, you should have seen me in High School.

I was in love with her before 2 weeks were through, but I never had the courage to tell her until more than 16 years later.

Would my life have been different without her? Without question. She was the one who pushed me through my last half-year of High School. She was the one that held my hand after my dad died, and made me start living my life again. And when I was in Vegas, sometimes without any close friends, she was my friend whenever I needed one.

She reads this blog, and I’m sure she’s rolling her eyes by now, so I’ll sign off by saying that I’ve loved you for 22 years and I hope I get to do so for 88 more.