It was only five months between our first meeting and our wedding. In the fall of 2003, he was mourning the loss of a longterm job and a sea change in the direction of his life, and I know the fact that I was there during that time brought us closer together. I had never really wanted to be in a close relationship with anyone, knowing the pain that could result, but against all my better judgment and purely practical considerations, I found myself completely and totally in love with him. I know now that I was more than right about the pain--I hurt more right now than I ever have in my life--but I wouldn't trade these last seven years for anything.