It started with a kiss. Forty years ago today: July 30.

Sometimes I think my life really started with that kiss.

The kiss wasn’t planned. It just happened.

It was the night before we opened our show: Nails. A bunch of us had gone out drinking to celebrate Deb’s birthday. And her friend dropped me off at my house. Deb came in to use the washroom.

She was about to leave and we were just making small talk. The next thing I knew, we were kissing.

We both stopped abruptly. And Deb bolted out the door without another word and drove off with her friend.

I touched my lips, thinking: How did that happen?

It felt like I “blacked out” for a moment. I remember talking to Deb. Then a black blip. And suddenly I was kissing Deb.

I tend to over think things. And I think my body said, “Shut up and kiss her!”

We didn’t start going out immediately. But we started seeing each other after the play ended. It took a few months until we became “serious”.

I didn’t win Deb over immediately. I know, I find it hard to believe, too.

But eventually, I did.

And it continues to develop and grow.

Forty years of happy birthdays with Deb. Of watching our kids grow up into adults and seeing them start families of their own.

This year we became grandparents.

I’m happy to kiss you tonight, my love. And every night.

Happy birthday, Deb!