Happy Birthday, Harley! March 27, 2008

On this day 45 years ago, Harlan came into this world.  Fifteen years after that he came into mine.  Harley was my first love.  Some would call it “puppy love”,  but I wouldn’t.     We were a couple for 7 years, 6 months, 3 weeks, 4 days and 17 hours (but who’s counting?)  We were engaged to be married and I (believe it or not) was the one who called it off….24 years ago.  It has probably been 22 years or more since I have seen or spoken to the very person I thought I could never live without.  I hear through the grapevine that he never got fat or bald (it figures….), has a beautiful wife (ouch!) and 2 gorgeous daughters (God bless them) and is doing very well.

I occasionally wonder what my life would have been like if it had followed what I once believed to be its only possible path.  I am quite certain that I made the right decision way back when, but it often saddens me that someone who was once my whole world one day isn’t even on the radar screen.  They say that people come into our lives for a “reason, a season, or a lifetime”.   I guess that was my Summer of Lovin’.

Clearly we were not meant to last, and though I joke about it a lot, with more than two decades, a marriage and divorce, and a beautiful son of my own since Harley, I am over him.  But he was a significant patch of fabric in the quilt of my life.  We go through life making our mark on people all the time,  touching hearts and moving on…..perhaps not realizing the impact each relationship can have.  I think about the people (angels?) who have (briefly or over a long period of time) loved me, hurt me, taught me and contributed to my growth….and every now and then for a fleeting moment, I remember to be grateful.

So, Happy Birthday, Harley.  Wherever you are, I thank you….. and wish you love.