A Very Special Ninth Anniversary

It was nine years ago today when you first became mine, and I became yours.

I was a boy of fifteen, in a strange land, on a mission from God. The land was Port Chester, NY; the mission: to see The Ramones on their second-to-last farewell tour.

I grew up in many ways that night. The Ramones show was the first concert I chose to attend. (I had no say in seeing The Dave Matthews Band with my sister in New Orleans a year earlier.)

I also smelled marijuana for the first time that night. (Though I didn't get high until months later.)

But you're the only thing from that night that remains with me in the material world. Whenever I'm inside you, I'm instantly transported back to that magical night. I'm fifteen again- innocent, optimistic, the sound of freedom surging through my veins.

At the time we met, you were ridiculously overpriced at 30 dollars, but you've proven to be one of the best bargains I've ever had.

Though you've aged considerably- stretch marks, flaky skin, that mysterious orange-brown patch across the back of your shoulders- to me, you still embody the most beautiful kind of youthful energy I've ever known.

I love you, Ramones Farewell Tour Concert T-Shirt. We've only just begun.