30 August 2014, Toronto, Canada
Today is the fourth Saturday in August, 2014. And I would like to take you back to exactly, to the day, 10 years ago, tonight.
The fourth Saturday in August, 2004,
It was Joe nightclub.
The 'it' spot at the corner of John and Richmond in the heart of Toronto's clubbing district. After one of our group's typical Saturday night, pre-drinks at Roger and Fifth's house. I found myself in the club's first floor dance floor. I remember distinctly Greg Jack and Rich were dancing to my left. Casey was doing her notorious two step bar move to my right, but I was really distracted. The, the elusive friend of this group, this Con kept catching my eye. I vividly remember him standing there. He was clothed in his favourite bar look at the time, which was bowling shoes from Aldo. Ripped and just slightly flared, light coloured jeans. And an open dress shirt that was too big, unbuttoned too far and untucked. Oh, and if few 'Live strong' bracelets on.
I noticed at the pre-drink that he was a little bit more chatty than usual. And here he was again, slowly creeping closer on the dance floor. Before I knew it. we were dancing and the rest of the group had gone upstairs. Soon. Dad, my young 19 year old self was pinned up against the walls of Joe nightclub. And so follows the story of our first kiss.
If Con has ever tried, or ever tries to tell you this story differently, I promise you he is lying.
Con and I have not been together since that night at Joe nightclub. While I spent a decent amount of time obsessing over him after that first night. For some reason, it took him a little while. However, this dynamic was never that obvious to me until I recently pulled up some old MSN history:
"November 1st, 2005, 8:50 PM. KT: Hey, your Halloween costume was hilarious last night.
8:57 PM. KT: It looked like so much fun.
<laugh>
9.15: Okay. Have a great night. TTYL
I was bold and I initiated our next chat:
November 12th, 2005, 12:45 PM: Hey Con.
KT. I saw the picks from last night!
There were no pictures. I didn't see anything. CCM decides to respond three hours later. I, I remember running to my computer when I heard the little like 'uhoh' or whatever it was. <laugh>
His response: Ha! BRB.
Once we got past the hurdle of Con playing it just a little bit too cool, we have somehow always found our way back to each other. It has never mattered where our different paths have taken us. It has seemed like it has never been an option for us not to be together. Since the early days of our meeting, there really has been a magnet between the two of us. Everyone has their own love story, but for me, what's been so amazing about ours is that there's just been something between us that's impossible to describe. There's a feeling that I have to be around you.
I'm good [crying]
Um, I can't explain it, but I can feel it and I always have. You do something to me. And for me, that is our love story. Your mom always talks about the fire that's been inside of you since you were a little boy. And I continue to see that fire every single day. You constantly surprise me with your nonstop determination to drive forward and to never settle . From a hockey player, to an MBA grad, to a banker, to a saxophone player, You can literally accomplish anything that you put your mind to.
One of my favourite quotes reads: "you can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him". And if that holds true, Con you have the most incredible character. You always see the best in people. You see intentions and actions through a positive lens. You have more integrity than anybody I've ever met, and see things as right and wrong. Your heart is always in the best place. Your happiest when people you love experience success, finding such genuine pleasure in seeing those you care about do well through the way you live your life. You provide me with everyday reminders that all that's important in life is here in this room.
There is nobody who can make me laugh for a whole night straight, who knows me at my core better. Who makes me feel the most comforted in their presence, who enables me to find pleasure in everyday things simply because we are together.
And so, to my gorgeous husband, there's no one on this earth. I would've rather been waiting for me at that end of that aisle today, whatever life has in store for us, I will always be beside you and on your side.