Seventeen is a prime number - the seventh prime number
(assuming you don’t count 1) to be specific. Prime numbers are important
in math for many reasons, and are foundational to the encryption which
allows us to have secure internet transactions.
Amanda and I have now been married seventeen years. As has
been my tradition since I started this blog, I have written a little something
for our anniversary. This year, I am going with “prime” as the theme, in honor
of the seventh prime number - and an equal number of years. All definitions are
from the Oxford English Dictionary.
1. Prime (adjective): Of first importance; main.
My relationship with Amanda is my most important - and main
relationship. She is my best friend, my lover, my favorite person in the world.
2. Prime (adjective): From which another thing may
derive or proceed.
For the last 17 years, everything has derived or proceeded
from our marriage. Well, certainly the 5 kids, but also our life has centered
around each other. The lives we have built together directly derive and proceed
from the relationship. Without each other, things would likely have turned out
quite differently for us.
3. Prime (adjective): Of the best possible quality;
excellent.
Amanda is a woman (and person) of the best possible quality.
Excellence is one of her salient attributes. As a result, I am in a marriage of
the highest quality.
4. Prime (adjective): Having all the typical
characteristics of something.
Amanda is a prime example - she has all the typical
characteristics of a good spouse. She is loving, hard working, honest,
competent, affectionate, patient, and more. I cannot imagine a better person to
share my life with.
5. Prime (adjective): Most suitable or likely.
Amanda is, as it turns out, highly suitable to be my spouse.
I’m not so sure it was likely, however. I still can’t believe she chose me.
But, since she did, I suppose the chances are 100%...
6. Prime [number] (adjective): divisible only by
itself and unity
Amanda and I are two and one in that mysterious way that a
good marriage works. We are divisible by ourselves and unity only.
7. Prime (noun): The state or time of greatest vigour
or success in a person's life.
My time with Amanda has indeed been the best time of my
life. If you count the time we were dating, we are rapidly approaching half of
my life together. (And already half of hers.)
8: Prime (noun): The beginning of something. (archaic)
When we met, it was indeed the beginning of something.
Eventually, our life together.
9. Prime (verb): Make (something) ready for use or
action.
We both make each other better. We are able to function as
we best can, because the other covers for the other’s weakness, and carries the
other when needed.
10: Prime (verb): Induce a susceptibility or
proclivity in (an animal, person, or tissue)
Amanda definitely induces a susceptibility or proclivity in
me. A proclivity toward mushiness, obviously, and, ahem, other things.
11. Prime (verb): Prepare (someone) for a situation,
typically by supplying them with relevant information.
My relationship with Amanda prepares me for the rest of
life. She is a source of stability and purpose, and a source of advice and
assistance whenever I need it.
Well, couldn’t quite get to 17 definitions, but 11 is a
prime too, so I’ll go with that.
Happy anniversary, dearest Amanda, and may we have many more!
At Nevada Falls, Yosemite National Park, on our anniversary last year.
***
If you want to read prior installments, here is the list:
