m'amour
I have been blessed with the love of an amazing man in this lifetime - his name is Baret and this page is celebrating our love and and my appreciation for all he has done for me.
Our Story: From Bad to Worse
A gentleman. It was my first thought at meeting this charming, handsome, and engaging young man. There aren't many of those left in the available man-pool for this and the following generation, and I wasn't about to let this one get away.
Besides his gentlemanliness, this intelligent, witty, and fascinating man was interested in me. I couldn't quite believe it at first - but the mutual attraction was obvious from the first instant. I don't remember there ever being any uncomfortable silences as we got to know one another - we were fast friends and our love for each other ripened and blossomed at an alarming rate. We both feared it, but were unable to stop it - we seemed "made" for one another, as cheesy and cliché as that sounds.
The first year together had all the trappings of a whirlwind romance - our first date, on August 27, 2001, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and an enduring love. Neither of us knew, at that time, the long and hard road that stretched out before us - perhaps, had we known, we would have chosen not to walk it.
A year after we were together, in July 2002, I had my first surgery - the beginning of my long nightmare that, two surgeries, many physical therapies, two manipulations, and years of despair, have culminated in a broken and brusied soul residing in a broken and brusied body.
The horrifying reality of my now life-long disability took years of painful depressions to come to terms with - sometimes I still rage against the frustration and agony of it all. During these times, I was not easy or pleasurable to be around or take care of. Regardless, Baret stood up to the task and has been there for me when I needed him the most.
Baret has been my strength and caregiver for the past five years. His task is not an easy one; his position is one that goes unnoticed and unthanked most days by most people. It is a struggle that even separated us for a time, and has caused unimaginable pain and heartaches...yet in the end, together, we have been able to work through these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
I believe that Baret, as my boyfriend, has shown more tenacity and fortitude than many men who whisper "...in sickness and health..." at the altar; and more than many will ever even have to. Despite the number and length of my recoveries, the setbacks and failures, the limitations on travel and activities that have become permanent circumstances in our relationship, Baret has stood by me with an undying, unflinching, and unconditional love that amazes and humbles me.
I could never repay his kindnesses or thank him enough for his dedication to me, despite all of the disadvantages that come along with loving and living with me.
The Man I Love
My sexy, sweet Cajun stands all of 5'4" and weighs a good 99 lbs soaking wet. He is also the biggest one in his family. Being raised in the heart of Cajun country, St. Martin Parish, by a pure-blooded Cajun family adds to his charm and - for me - brings back to life a heritage that has since died out in my own family.
His accent grows strong when around - or talking to or about - his kinfolk. It reminds me of my younger years when my Cajun great- and grandparents were still alive fussing about "beacoup dis an' beaucoup dat" and chiding us children when we misbehaved that "God don't like ugly, no!"
Despite his rich and lively heritage, Baret is a strikingly handsome man with a strong jaw, a Roman-emporeresque nose, and laughing gray-green eyes. His smile and good-natured demeanor are made all the more engaging by his friendly, witty, and warm personality. My family and I often joke a show should be made called Everybody Loves Baret; it's so true as to be almost crazy.
He leaves an impression on everyone that meets him - it is impossible not to respect and like him immensely.
Here's the part where I get to eat crow. Yum. Baret has accomplished the seemingly impossible task of taming me down and instilling in me some semblance of stability and responsibility. I am more mature, and a better person, because of him. Anyone that knows or has known me, is aware what an enormously amazing feat he has pulled off! I am nothing if not stubbon and strong-willed to a fault; especially when it comes to the less desirable of my personality traits.
I am blessed to have such a wonderful, endearing man as my mate. Our home and life is filled with love and laughter - he is my friend, my partner, my strength, and the love of my life.
I can say that even after recently celebrating our six year anniversary, and soon to be going on four years living together, I still get excited and giddy every evening on my way home from work knowing I'll get to see his face and spend time with him.
I love you, my B - thank you.
So dear I love him that with him,
All deaths I could endure.
Without him, live no life.
- by William Shakespeare, "Romeo & Juliet".
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