The Things You Never Had to Think About

For years, I thought love lived

in the photographs,

the vows, the dinners

marked on the calendar,

the anniversaries we said out loud.

But lately, I have started noticing

all the things you made sure

I never had to think about.

How the bills were paid

before I remembered they were due.

How there was always milk

when we needed milk.

How the car was serviced on time,

and the school forms

always made it back.

The funny thing about marriage

is that after a while,

the things we do for each other

become so reliable

they disappear.

Not because they matter less,

but because we stop seeing

the effort behind them.

Until one day,

you catch a glimpse of it —

and you realize

the life you have built

has never run on grand gestures.

It has run on two people

quietly carrying

what needed carrying,

often without being asked,

often without being thanked.

That is what marriage becomes.

Not keeping score.

But looking at the person beside you

and seeing how much of your life

has rested, safely,

in their hands.

And finally seeing,

for the first time,

what you have been holding for me.