How can a New Year's Eve kiss inspire the very best year?

As I reflect back on meeting Becki in December 2021, I am reminded of the last day of that month. It was Friday, December 31. We were both kind of bummed that we weren't going to be able to spend New Year's Eve together, mostly because we had just met and she had all her kids that day. Not only would a meeting mean a lot of pressure for a relationship that was just starting, but it would also mean a lot of pressure on three kids I had never met in person. My gratitude overwhelms me now as I remember suggesting to Becki a midnight kiss where I would drive from Dickinson, meet her stealthily at the front door of her house, say nothing, kiss her softly on the lips, then leave. Nothing more. It would be nearly a two-and-a-half-hour commitment just to kiss someone I cared about on New Year's Eve. She joked in a text, upon learning of my plan for this kiss, that I was a romantic. I responded, "Yes. I am." I am grateful now that I made that trip that night. I am grateful I met her at the door, kissed her, slipped a note into her pocket, then promptly jumped into my vehicle and returned to Dickinson. That kiss inspired the adventure pictured. This adventure, one that took place five months later, was one to Hawaii where I proposed to the woman of my dreams. I can't wait to kiss the woman I love again this New Year's Eve, then again for as many New Year's Eves I have the blessing to share with this beautiful woman. I have long remarked to Becki that it took me over forty years to meet her. It was worth it. There is no other person I care to share everything with. I love you, Becki. Thanks for the most amazing year of my life.