The 5:50 AM Anniversary Surprise: 11 Years and Counting

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 The 5:50 AM Anniversary Surprise: 11 Years and Counting



Anniversaries have a way of sneaking up on you, but this year, the anticipation was on a whole different level.

If you know anything about my schedule and Kim’s schedule, you know our weeks are a bit of a ship-passing-in-the-night situation. I work the evening shift all week, and I didn't sleep a single minute all night. Meanwhile, Kim works the morning shift. Between our opposing work hours, we barely get time to see each other during the week.

Except for Dixie, our dog, who is currently living her absolute best life. Because of our schedules overlapping just right, Dixie gets to spend practically the entire day with both of us. Speaking of Dixie, she usually has a strict routine, but today she got to go outside a little earlier than her usual 7:30 AM slot. She was thrilled. Of course, that early morning cuddle session resulted in Kim getting a few minor scratches from all the enthusiasm, but hey—hugs are worth it.

Since I was wide awake all night and working the busiest day of my job, I couldn't stop smiling. All through my shift, I found myself telling customers the big news: I got my wife a ring for our 11th anniversary, and I was going to gift it to her first thing in the morning. Seeing everyone's faces light up with extra-big smiles made a exhausting night shift feel totally worth it.

I waited all night, trying to be as quiet as a mouse, just anticipating the moment.

November 4th. 5:50 AM.

The moment finally arrived. I handed her the gift nestled inside a Foster jewelry box, complete with a gift bag and crisp tissue paper. And the best part? Kim was so excited about the ring.

We might be working hard all week and pressed for time, but moments like 5:50 AM remind me why we do it all. Here’s to eleven years, many more sleepy nights, and plenty of early morning puppy snuggles.


Monday we had lamb dinner at my parents, and a gamer if cards. 

Very thankful for family. 




And got some sleep in before my evening shift tonight

After staying up the whole night thinking of this ring 💍 

Thankful for my mom who got the dog walked before work so she is one happy dog for Kim 


The dog is anticipating Kim's arrival cuz I'm about to go to work. She's figuring the routines out...



Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 4, 2026 at 7:45 AM

    💖💞🍁☀️ A bright Sun will be up soon!!!
    A nice day I think 🥰
    Lots of love, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandy VanRiperNovember 4, 2026 at 1:57 PM

    Really enjoyed that read Nigel. Happy 11th Anniversary. Sending LOVE ❤️

    ReplyDelete

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