Sixteen years ago today, G-Man and I got married. I often say that Gregory is the biggest miracle of my life and this feels like the perfect day to reflect on why I feel that way. I’ve been thinking back to a night in 1994, when Gregory and I were “just friends”. He invited me to sit in the darkness and listen to Tom Petty’s new song Wildflowers. Looking back on that night now, it was as if that song was G’s quiet promise to teach me that it was more important to love someone who would love me than search for someone who would want to improve me.

Twenty-four years ago when we met, I wasn’t looking for someone gentle and accepting as a partner. I was looking for someone to change me because I think deep down I knew I wanted something to change. In our marriage, as our family began to grow, that hunger for revision became more and more emergent. In the beginning, I thought it was G who needed revising—it was easier for me to find fault in him and maintain that I was the one with all the right answers. Once I discovered the work had to begin with me, I was able to slowly shift and grow.

I thought transformation only came in the form of yelling and shaming. I think God sent Gregory to me to teach me I could become the person I truly wanted to be gradually, surrounded by love. So yes G-Man Master De, I think Tom Petty and you were so right in 1994, I do belong somewhere close to you. Being close to you has made all the difference in becoming a woman who today, genuinely feels free.

Wildflowers, Tom Petty

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free

Run away, find you a lover
Go away somewhere all bright and new
I have seen no other
Who compares with you

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free

Run away, go find a lover
Run away, let your heart be your guide
You deserve the deepest of cover
You belong in that home by and by

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free

CLICK HERE to receive Blog Updates