As I sifted through my books and sorted them into piles, one of them fell open when Isabella tore it away from the others. I found this note tucked neatly inside it:
June 19, 2006
Everyone understands that burning wood produces fire. But when fire feeds on fire, that is a rare condition that yields the greatest illumination. Two flames come together and yield light more magnificent than either could have given forth alone. - Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao
Fire Feeding on Fire.
Once in a while you meet someone who inspires you, who pushes you to greater heights, who helps you to accomplish things you may never have been able to accomplish alone.
Nourish the spark.
Cherish the partnership.
Fan the flame.
The date of the note tells me I wrote it the day before my last wedding anniversary with Chris... an anniversary I knew in my heart would be my last even though I hadn't yet told him. Its purpose was two-fold - part of me was mourning the relationship I'd wanted so badly with Chris and part of me was hoping there was still hope.
Well, about that...
I've come to believe unpacking can be as therapeutic as it is maddening. It's an opportunity to put the pieces of your life back together again. For a person [like me] who likes order I can see the beauty in that.
As I sifted through my books and sorted them into piles, one of them fell open when Isabella tore it away from the others. I found this note tucked neatly inside it:
June 19, 2006
Everyone understands that burning wood produces fire. But when fire feeds on fire, that is a rare condition that yields the greatest illumination. Two flames come together and yield light more magnificent than either could have given forth alone. - Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao
Fire Feeding on Fire.
Once in a while you meet someone who inspires you, who pushes you to greater heights, who helps you to accomplish things you may never have been able to accomplish alone.
Nourish the spark.
Cherish the partnership.
Fan the flame.
...whispering the words as I read them, my fingers delicately framing the page, tears welled in my eyes as I realized I'd jotted this down years before I ever met him.
Him...
Ben,
Once in a while you meet someone who inspires you, who pushes you to greater heights, who helps you to accomplish things you may never have been able to accomplish alone. One cold, December night I met you and my entire life changed. Thank you for your love, your sense of humor, and your smile. And thank you [also] for reminding me that I can do this (sometimes over and over and over again)...whatever this may be.
You are the butter on my toast...
The fudge on my sundae...
The chips with my salsa...
I love you.
Everyone understands that burning wood produces fire. But when fire feeds on fire, that is a rare condition that yields the greatest illumination. Two flames come together and yield light more magnificent than either could have given forth alone.
It's true.
Together, we are pretty magnificent.
Thank you for bringing hope, happiness, and greatness back into my life and, more than anything, for your love. It's crazy, it's infectious, and it is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Love,
me
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