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This is an odd and personal post but for the last week or so, I have been thinking about today – June 17th and wondering how I would react to today. 10 years ago today, on June 17th at 6am, I met William on a random happenstance. By 9am he knew. It took me longer but not by much. We had just shy of 10 years together. Seems like a long time but, really, just the blink of an eye. I look back at what we have done in 10 years – more than many do in a lifetime!
For starters, William has been an amazing influence on Amrish – hard to step into a 4 year old’s life but William and Amrish formed an amazing bond and friendship and William shaped Amrish into an remarkable young man. The vineyard and winery – we started this project from scratch – everything you see at Fence Stile is a reflection of us and personal! William spent 7 days a week for 9 years working on Fence Stile and even our Love Lock on the wall says “Building a life together” – it’s personal! And me – he tried his best to get me to slow down, relax and enjoy each day - his motto - 'life is good'. He spoiled me with fresh flowers each week, indulged me with my passions and supported me with various ‘honey, I’ve been thinking’ ideas! He was a tower of patience and all he wanted in return was to see the ocean at least once a year!
So today – while I miss William and wish I had many more decades with him, I am grateful for the happenstance meeting with an amazing individual with whom Amrish and I shared the better part of a decade, made us better people and created Fence Stile for us. I miss the fresh flowers, the twinkle in his eyes, the scruffy pony tail, the tattered ball caps, the napkin drawings of our plans, the MacGyvering of anything needed (now fondly termed ‘WillGyvering’), the care and love he gave Amrish and most of all, I miss my best friend. I miss my life partner. But I am grateful for the almost 10 years we had. It wasn't enough but....
Nothing will be the same again. As we make decisions to move forward, I know we aren't doing things exactly the way William and I would have made them but ... we are trying to define the 'new normal'. And while things aren't the same (and never will be), we will work hard to honor William's memory and passion.
And to keep my promise, Amrish and I will be taking William’s ashes to the Bahamas this summer so he can sail the oceans, Buffet style!
