Those of you who know us realize that these fake teeth played a part in our first meeting. Landing in the Midwest from California, Sam got off the plane with these "Bubba" teeth in his mouth because even though he had seen pictures of me, he was concerned that I wouldn't turn out to be someone that he was interested in, or that was interested in him. So to lighten the mood, he wore these. It would either make or break us, he thought.

I never saw the teeth--just his eyes. I even kissed him --a little peck--and still missed the fact that he had these teeth in. I had a vague realization that he had more of an overbite than I remembered seeing in his picture, but quickly dismissed it. "He's such a nice man." Sam was beaming at me and oddly quiet. When finally, I heard him slurping as he hugged me to him, trying to keep the teeth from falling out, I leaned away from him and got the full picture. He was cracking up, trying to keep from laughing outright. He hauled them out of his mouth and the first words he said were, "Thank God --you're gorgeous!!"

He looked significantly better without these teeth. They distort his entire face because they're so large and change the structure of his mouth so much. Which is why they're so hilarious. I cannot not laugh when I see him in these.

Sam's appearance could have been really shocking to me. Except that I had a pair on my desk at home that I had come close to wearing to the airport. Can you imagine what kind of first meeting that would have been?

In any event, Sam still thinks I'm gorgous (now I'm the one saying, Thank God!) and he still makes me laugh. I still only see his eyes, even though the rest of him is nice to look at, too.
It has been an interesting and wonderful journey, these five years we have been married. My heart is resting in your hands and I would marry you again, Honey.

Happy Anniversary!