a post by Loman

This will not be a typical post from me as it’s not going to be a rant against a controversial issue, but rather a moment in my life that constantly reminds me why the people you choose to spend your life with make all the difference in the world.

Anyone who knows me fully understands my love for Florida State University.  To say I am obsessed would be an understatement.  I enjoy everything FSU. When I am flipping through the channels on the television and I come across anything FSU, I stop. I stop whether it’s a previously recorded game I’ve already seen, a softball game, or swimming on ESPN 3. I am a firm believer that in order to be a true fan and advocate for a university, you must support more than just their football team. A university is much more than how well “our boys” perform on Saturday night–it is a compilation of the students, faculty, and fans, who give their all each day to embody the values and beliefs upon which the school was founded.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of going to the 2015 Garnet & Gold Spring game with B.  I was so excited to spend time with her at FSU I could hardly stand it.  The week prior to our trip and throughout the six-hour ride to Tallahassee, B kept reminding me that I would be like a kid in a candy store as soon as we got there (which of course, I was).  As I was driving, though, I had time to reflect (since my co-pilot was asleep) on my life the past couple of years, and the true meaning of happiness.

I am very lucky to have a wife that supports my obsession with a hobby (not that FSU is a hobby, but for the purposes of this blog, we will define it as one).  There are so many instances where I see married couples do things apart because neither likes the other one’s interests and I don’t understand that.

I’m sure seven years ago, B couldn’t point out Tallahassee on a map, or even tell you where FSU was located in Florida, but now she has more attire than I do, watches the games with me, and can even tell you about the school, it’s mission, and of course some of their greatest football players. While thinking about all of this, I began to realize just how much she loves me.  She has grown to love FSU because I do.  She doesn’t hate my hobby or try to take it away from me, but rather she encourages me to go to FSU events because she genuinely cares about me and knows it’s something I love to do.  There is no greater feeling in the world than doing something you love with the love of your life.

I’m still pretty new to this marriage thing, but I have learned love is not the biggest component.  Love is important and the feelings I have for B will never belong to anyone else on earth, but it isn’t the answer.  I don’t believe marriages are ruined due to a lack of love, trust, and compassion for one’s spouse.  I believe they falter because the support one needs from the other falls away which inevitably leads to the breakdown.  I’m thankful I have a wife that supports me in all I do, not just at work, but in my hobbies as well.  I believe it keeps us connected, close, and most importantly happy with each other, because we can do the things we enjoy with one another.