@ethanmcconkey , @gingerw , @rosemarya, and the rest of our crew, Happy Turkey Day in advance!

I celebrated 45 years of marriage today with my boyfriend of 48 years. I was totally smitten with him from the first day I laid eyes on him. He was 16 and I was 17. He just might be on the Spectrum. I have my opinions about that. If you knew how he was back then, and how I was, you would realize what a miracle it was that we found each other.

Both shy, introverted, totally convinced that neither one of us would ever get married. But he made me laugh. He was brilliant. He was a devoted person of faith. He was easy on the eyes, too, which was kind of nice. Most of our dates revolved around church activities , hiking in the mountains, playing and singing around the piano with friends. Simple things. Just typical life, back in the early seventies.

We loved going to the library together, of all things! I was convinced he was the "one" and I did my research. I even took a French class at the university where his mother was a professor. I wanted to know what I was getting into. I learned some French to add to the two years I had in high school. And I discovered that Dr. Peterson was a unique, brilliant, fascinating woman. She and I got along famously.

Fast forward to 2019. Our new washer and dryer combo was delivered today, two hours later than anticipated. There were issues that had to be addressed, which I won't go into, so as not to bore you any further. Let's just say we are very grateful to be together, with all of the things that a couple endures. It's still worth it.

I am thankful for my gift of this wonderful man, who stood by me through all the years that I was unaware of being on the Spectrum. Autism is not a death sentence. One can find friends, family, love, and acceptance, all the while dealing with the consequences of living in a Neurotypical world. If it can happen to me, there is hope for everyone And it's great if you are happy being single. Not everyone needs or wants a live in companion seven days a week. It is extremely important that we all learn to love and accept ourselves. To enjoy our own company. I do. I need my space.

As I write this, my 66 year old hubby is watching Flash on Netfix. I needed some down time so I am in the living room, anticipating another holiday tomorrow with a small family group. So many memories cloud my mind, as they have done all day long. Some bittersweet

Gotta go for now. The buzzer went off and I must baste the turkey. I hope that you all have the best day tomorrow, and that you make some memories for yourself. If it's just you and a glass of cider as you watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, that's a start. Take care of you.You are enough.

Love and light,
Mamacita Jane y