Baby, It's You

Anyone who's ever been in a long-term relationship knows that it's not always fun and games. Sure, it starts off with all of the smiling and laughing, the butterflies in your stomach and don't forget the googly eyes. But eventually the honeymoon passes and then the real relationship begins. This where you learn about true love.

Yesterday, Michael and I were having lunch at Au Bon Pain on Fifth Avenue. As we were chatting, we noticed an elderly woman with a cane walking toward the tables with a muffin and a cup of coffee on her tray. She lost her footing and the cup fell on the floor, coffee spilling everywhere. She looked a little embarrassed and very dejected by what she'd done, then sat down with her lonely muffin.

Suddenly, Michael jumped up out of his seat and went over to comfort her and told her he'd get her another coffee. Seconds later he came back with the new cup and the little pitcher of milk, instructing her to "say when." The old woman was visibly moved yet equally confused by the whole thing. "Do you work here?" she asked. Michael said no and touched her on the back and told her that he just wanted to make sure she was OK. She thanked him a few times and Michael came back to our table to finish his lunch.

Now don't get me wrong, those butterflies and googly eyes were definitely nice. I still smile when I think of those early days. But it's moments like this that truly deepen my affection and admiration for Michael -- and I find myself falling in love all over again. Just seeing how sweet and tender he was with this old lady filled me with such warmth and pride. I was facing her direction and she was still reeling from the whole thing when she looked over at me and lifted her coffee up the air in a salute motion toward Michael and flashed me a big smile. I smiled back and nodded and thought to myself, Yeah, that's my guy.