Our Love Story Began on a Friday the 13th

C: "It's been a hell of a day. Are you up for meeting tonight?"

J: "Tonight? Yes! But I haven't shaved."

C: "My hair looks bad today too. Well, now that we’ve established we both look like ass, we can just focus on getting to know each other. Plus, I’m a sucker for scruff."

That exchange happened just a few days before our first official date—on Friday the 13th. Two people, both a little worn out by life, ready to show up exactly as they were. Two years later, on another Friday the 13th, we got married. Our wedding wasn’t a picture-perfect fairy tale; it was just like us—unpretentious, joyful, and full of love. Friends, family, dancing, and laughter—an unforgettable celebration of what it means to find someone who makes you want to start again.

The kiss: Carolyn and John's first kiss as a married couple. Jordan is on the right and is now 22. Sydney is on the left and she is now 26. John's parents are on the right.

Today, on our 11th wedding anniversary—another Friday the 13th—I’m struck by how meaningful this milestone is. Not only does it mark over a decade of marriage, but it’s also the start of our 13th year together. For most, 13 is just a number, but for us, it’s a thread that ties together so much of our story.

• Family: When John came into my life, my two children, Sydney and Jordan, were still young. Blending our family was far from easy, and it’s still a journey we’re navigating. But every step has been filled with love and growth, and John has embraced it all with grace and determination.

• Homes: We both poured our hearts and souls into the homes we built in previous chapters of our lives, only to leave them behind to create something entirely new together. Each space we’ve shared has been a reflection of who we were becoming—a physical reminder of our resilience and our willingness to let go and build again.

• Community: Moving to a small town gave us the chance to start fresh in a place where we could slow down, savor the simple pleasures of neighbors, and reconnect with the beauty of everyday life.

• Dreams: And now, we’re preparing to start over yet again, taking a leap into the unknown as we move to Europe.

  
  

Each step of starting again has healed parts of ourselves—pieces hurt by previous relationships, careers, or family dynamics. With every new beginning, we’ve built a life that feels more like us. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.

That’s why “Come to Me” by the Goo Goo Dolls is so much more than just a song for us. Its words reflect the heart of our story—the commitment to keep showing up, to weather life’s storms, and to start again after every mess. It’s about dreaming together, choosing each other, and building the life we want.

Through it all, John has been my constant. I don’t have to wonder if he’ll be there—because he always is. I don’t have to question his intentions—because it’s John. He’s observant in a way I’m not, deeply empathetic, practical, and very precise—a steady counterbalance to my emotional, distractible energy as I drift from one thing to the next. He’s also hardworking and idealistic, quietly making life better in ways big and small. Over the years, he’s even discovered his artistic and creative sides, adding new dimensions to the man I already admired.

Thirteen years ago, we began this journey, and with each new beginning, John has shown me what it means to build a life together. Thank you for being my partner, my compass, and the best part of every adventure we’ve shared. Here’s to every step we’ve taken—and every one still ahead. ❤️

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