Dear JD

Last Friday night the conversation changed and barreled in your direction. Suddenly, everyone's eyes were on you, waiting for answers to four different questions at once. I might've panicked in that situation (wanting to answer each query perfectly wrapped with a red bow), but you simply smiled and let the silence float in the air. You're okay with silence. I, instead, almost tap danced to create a diversion.

Someone asked you again, So, what do you do? You smiled and said, I'm a professional caddy for this girl here, and softly touched the crest of my back. Everyone laughed and conversation moseyed elsewhere after jokes were thrown and hit into centerfield.

In the car the next day I asked why you answered like that. That caddy business and stuff. You shrugged and said it didn't matter. I prodded for more, but you turned to me at the red light and asked, Does it doesn't matter if people get me…or us? We have an odd lifestyle and our days are strange to anyone looking from the outside, but this? This is us and it doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you and me.

I'm writing this note to let you know I appreciate how you're okay with silence…how you let punchlines fall in centerfield…how walk though life as the caddy to my hopes, dreams, and semi-dramatic moments. You carry me…so, yeah. I guess you are my personal caddy. And I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day.