True Companion

Eric & I exchanged Valentine cards tonight after being gone all weekend. I was excited for him to open my card because I knew he'd like it. Knowing Eric is a fan of the musical cards, I discretely scanned the square envelope he gave me and quickly said, "You open yours first!" He complied. We both had a good laugh and a kiss to follow.

A little background and an explanation . . .

In college, Eric was accepted to a six month IFYE (International Foreign Youth Exchange) program through 4-H. We'd been seeing each other for about a year at the time he found out he was accepted. I was excited for him, because the program is limited, and I knew it would be a great experience for him. So, during my senior year of college, he was in Australia exploring and learning the culture of Down Under while I toiled away at my studies. It was a good test for our relationship, and one that neither of us regret.

During that time of limited contact (there was no internet access and phone calls were few because they were extrememly expenisive), we sent letters and cassette tapes back and forth. His tapes were much better than mine! And yes, I still have them. One of the tapes included this Marc Cohn song - True Companion (and it happens to be the featured song on the musical Valentine cards we gave to each other this year).

You can listen to a sample here and the lyrics are below.

Baby I've been searching like everybody else
Can't say nothing different about myself
Sometimes I'm an angel and sometimes I'm cruel
But when it comes to love I'm just another fool

Yes I've climbed a mountain
I'm gonna swim the sea
There ain't no act of God, girl
Could keep you safe from me
My arms are reaching out,
out across this canyon

I'm asking you to be my true companion
True companion
True companion

So don't you dare and try to walk away
I've got my heart set on our wedding day
I've got this vision of a girl in white
Made my descision that its you alright
When I take your hand, I watch my heart set sail
I'll take my trembling fingers, and I'll lift up your veil
Then I'll take you home and with wild abandon
Make love to you just like a true companion
You are my true companion
I got a true companion
Whoa true companion

When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm,
Just like that couple on the corner do
Cause girl I will always be in love with you
When I look in your eyes, I still see that spark
Until the shadows fall, until the room grows dark

Then when I leave this earth I'll be with the angels standing
I'll be out there watiing for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion