Almost 39 years ago to the day, my husband and I are returning to a place where I had a first date with him. I remember the event well. He took me on a mystery weekend that involved a number of special seaside locations including a lobster restaurant, Italian restaurant, lighthouse, small town walk, and woodsy picnic. It was a college-time escapade that involved sleeping in a car and lots of exploration. I loved his sense of adventure and love of beautiful places then and still now.
On our excursion, a kind waitress taught me how to eat every part of a lobster. I also learned a lot about my husband as our adventure led to lots of storytelling. Not only did his curly hair and high energy draw me to him, but clearly, his sense of adventure was a big attraction, and this weekend away highlighted adventure every step of the way.
There were serious, truthful moments during the weekend too. Deep, revealing conversation that set the stage for an honest relationship.
Soon we'll retake this trip. We won't sleep in the car this time, but we'll likely explore many beautiful places along the coast and in the woods. We'll skip the Italian restaurant and focus on seafood instead. We'll tell stories, remember the past, and think about the days ahead too.
Life does repeat. Though each iteration is somewhat different, in many ways these repeating events build on the strength and promise of the past. Onward.