Can I keep you forever + ever?

When you relocate to another country you can expect to learn many things about the "new" world around you - language, culture, rules of etiquette, style, food... whatever you thought you knew about a country is much different once you live and work there. Once the charm has faded, and it does even if you live in the most spectacular of European destinations, real life sets in and you are faced with the challenges and joys that real life brings in any country. As an expat living in Germany now for nearly 20 months, I've learned a lot about German life and culture, even European life in general, but I've learned something that I never imagined could be taught simply by moving to a new place.

 I've learned just how much I love this guy. See this face?



It may mean nothing to you to see this man. Sure, you may pass him and think he is smartly dressed, handsome, tall, etc. Though I'm guessing that on the street, you may walk right by him and not know just how special he is inside - beyond what you see -- and how much I truly love him. But this is the man that I found and wanted to marry when I was in my 20s, the man whom I've known since 1998, and the one with whom I'll be married to soon for 10 years on July 14, 2011.

That sweet face, those blue eyes, that man is the person with whom my heart belongs and always will. He shares everything with me and loves all shades of my often very complicated rainbow of a personality.

He is a good man, loving, gentle, kind, sensitive -- but also balanced, intelligent, creative, strong... Today we were at a spring fair and I looked over at him and snapped the above photo with my iPhone. When I got home and uploaded it to my computer, I looked into his eyes staring out from my screen, almost looking intentionally upon me there in my chair and I thought of how much I rely on him, need him and love him. I mean, hugely.

When you live abroad and feel upside down so many times, it's your loving partner and friend who can really make (or break) the experience. My husband has been great throughout this adjustment period for me. He is German, but he isn't German inside -- he is a mix of many cultures and I think this comes from his love for all things English, Irish and Scottish but also his experience living in America, particularly New England, for eight years. Plus, before moving to America he was always hanging around with, and fascinated by, his Italian and Spanish friends. He is German but not 100% connected to his own culture and life here, though he is very connected in other ways and it is his homeland so he'll always feel most comfortable and happy living in Hannover where he was born and raised. But despite having his home here, he can still relate to me -- he knows what it feels like to leave his land to set off for new shores with only a partner to rely on. Now that the tables are turned and I am exploring his culture, I can't help but love him more than I ever did before because of his support, friendship, encouragement, patience, and loads of unconditional love. He really looks out for me and I appreciate that more than mere words can express as love is so hard to express in words, much more so on a blog.

If you recently moved to a new city, state or country please pause a moment and think about how your partner has affected your experience and go give them a big kiss. We expats would have a much harder time without our loving families, wouldn't we?

Thorsten my dear, I plan to keep you forever + ever

(image: holly becker for haus maus)

Comments

Monica said…
Gee, Holly I have tears in my eyes. I can totally relate. I felt the same way when I left Germany 19 years ago to go to college with my husband (then boyfriend) in the states, again when we moved to NYC and more of the same when we moved back to Germany almost 6 years ago. Mines a keeper. Happy that you have yours.
That is so sweet! And I know exactly what you are talking about being a Finnish ex-pat living in Australia. It is so important to have that network of friends and loved ones around you when your family is so far away! Thank you for sharing this Holly :-) x
Unknown said…
"Where ever you are, my love, that is home to me" I tell my man.

Thank you for being so personal.
Thank you for showing love.
You put tears in my eyes & warmth in my heart.

xo Jeanette
Anonymous said…
So so sweet...
(from another expat who feels much the same about her man, 15 years on :)
Stacie said…
My boy is my life. We lived in Singapore for 6 months where we were both upside down, and that is where we found out that we were, indeed, a family. I can't imagine life without him...it has been 16 years for us, but it still feels fresh and my heart skips a beat when I see him out and about, mingling with others, and then his eyes land on me. Still a thrill! Glad you are beginning to settle in to your new life...
Emma said…
Beautiful, this just about bought tears to my eyes. As a newly wed who is about to embark on an adventure living in another country with her wonderful man, I can anticipate how much his love and support will mean to me in the months to come (and mine to him). Thank you for sharing this with us.
Anonymous said…
Dear Holly, five years ago my husband and I were about to move to England, his home country. Four weeks before the big move I got cold feet. I thought my English wasn´t good enough to find a job there, I was scared of so many things and the preparations for the move already exhausted me so much that I thought I wouldn´t make it. To cut a long story short: he moved as he had to because of his job and I stayed in Germany. The divorce then was only a matter of time...
I always regret not to move with him, once I could think clearly again. Now I know that nothing could have been that bad that his love wouldn´t have made up for it. I`m glad that you see what you have in your husband and I wish you and Thorsten all the best and lots of happy times together no matter where you are.
c_for_court said…
what a lovely post... and how lucky your husband is to have someone who recognises how special he is...
Elif said…
What a beautiful post. I don't know what I would do without mine, either (we met crossing each other in the street in NYC--he's from Kashmir, and I was born in Canada)

So, I think you and all of the others who commented on your heartfelt post will be able to relate to one of my favorite Rumi quotes:

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.

Lovers don't finally meet somewhere,
they're in each other all along.
Oh Holly, what a beautiful post- goosebumps all around!

Thorsten's expression as he looks at you says it all- it's a look of admiration, friendship and love all at the same time. What a wonderful match you make. Thank you for sharing your gratitude with us.

Happy (early) anniversary to you two!
Holly this is a beautiful post, it made me all teary! I am in love with a man who currently lives in the US (I am in Australia) and we have talked about him relocating here ... I have always known that I would do everything I could to make him happy and feel ok and reading your post from the "other" side has just served to reinforce the importance of that.

You and Thorsten are lucky to have each other :) All the best. xo
Martina said…
This is sooooo lovely and it you really find words for what you feel for your husband :)
I recently moved into a new flat. Not new town, but since than my life changed completly. New home, new life! I changed and it was my chance to see true love beneath the surface. My love came into my life the same time i moved into the new home. We knew each other over a few months, but i wasn't able to see what he and i really felt for each other. If you see him you might not give much of intention to him, like you said, Holly. To most of the people he would look ordinary. But he is special in your eyes when you look with love to him. All the little things you discover every day you spend with him make him special. And every day you spend time with him you love him more.
If you look under the surface you can find love.
Before i met him i was too affected by superficiality. I didn't even realize that i was superficial. Now i know better and see what it does to most of the people. I'm really happy my life changed that way and that i was able to recognize the love.
Hihi, he is sitting right next to me and doesn't know what i'm writing. I think i will stop now and tell him :)
Cat said…
OMG... tears are just running down my face... I can so relate to that! A German in NZ :)
christine said…
Lovely, Lovely post. :)
Mariss said…
Holly, that is such a sweet and heartfelt post. You two truly are a wonderful team and I wish you many many more happy years! I'm going to give my hubby a big kiss right now to spread the love. Hugs, Marissa
Julie said…
oh Holly! what an unbelievably beautiful post! you've got it right, and I will go and thank my hubs right after I post this comment. we are a military family and so we are moving across the country every few years. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing husband. as hard as the moves are, they could be much worse if he wasn't as understanding and patient as he is. he gives me the time and the space I need to adjust to our new surroundings without hesitation. thank you Holly for this amazing post, it's so true.
littlekarstar said…
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww Holly that is so sweet!
Chuzai Living said…
Very well put and beautifully written! We're expats, too and I do feel that we bond more although there are many challenges as well. I'm happy for you that you have the love of your life!! Kaho
Anonymous said…
SO sweet of you ! You two seem like a lovely couple - happy to have each other... Keep it up.
I too am an expat and it can be a make or break for a relationship. So happy to report that it made me see so many aspects of my husband..but most of all the fact that he has only one purpose in life - and that is to make me happy.... how lucky am I ??!!! He takes good care of me in all these foreign countries.
So it is good to be reminded again by your post - to be thankful each and every day !!!
Erica Cooper said…
Very sweet, real and true. Thanks for sharing your heart.
May you both have many wonderful years of exploring life and love in your future.
Blessings to you!
Ivy said…
Having a keeper for a husband IS absolutely key to a happy life!
I completely "get it". My husband of almost 12 years {together almost 19!} means the same to me.
We moved to a different state when we first were married. We bonded so much being distanced from our family and old friends. I believe that bonding sealed the deal for us. We are best friends, forever.

Happy for you and Thorsten.
Cheers~Ivy
Susan said…
Hello, my husband and I are Americans living in Zurich. Jesse's job brought us here and I'll always be grateful for this experience. I thought we were very close after 28 years of marriage :-) but the last 5 years spent in another country have brought us even closer.

Your post reminded me again how blessed I am. Thanks!
Unknown said…
So beautiful. Thanks for sharing x
Jewell said…
Geeeez, I am in tears but good ones. Like many others, I totally relate. However you definetly write it much better than I ever could! While short, we're working on 3 years, our marriage is more solid then many people I know that have been married in the double digits. I know it's because we packed up everything and moved to a new place (with just 4 suitcases!). Now we have a great life with a new baby born here in Japan. It's funny how life can twist and turn but the love of your life and stay as solid as ever. Cheers!
Laura Evans said…
i get this ... & i will get this when uncle sam sends us where ever he sends us next & over & over through how ever many moves. My husband is my balance, he keeps my feet on the ground through it all. When i say goodbye to the friends i've made as the military sends them somewhere knew. I wouldn't make it through the hard times without him next me, & i wouldn't survive deployments unless i knew he was standing by my side. I've learnt that when you find that person you hold on tight & don't ever let go!

thank you Holly for sharing your story & your love!
Holly, this moved me, such sweet and honest words. We cannot tell our loved ones enough that we care about them. What a positive start of the day!
Hugs, Iris
Cecilie said…
This truly touched my heart, Holly. You are absolutely right: moving to another country can be trying but with a loving partner at your side things get much easier. My husband and I are both foreigners in Germany but he is the voice of calm reasoning and love that guides me through me rough patches. I could never have done any of this without him here to hold my hand and love me. So I get where you are coming from. Thank you for voicing this.
Juliette said…
This is so sweet to read! I'm so glad you have a keeper! I could write the exact same for my German guy and am nothing but grateful and in love. Hurrah!
Anonymous said…
It isn't particularly helpful to listen to Eric Claptons "Wonderful tonight" when reading this post ;) It is wonderful you found Thorsten, Holly!
Emma said…
This really resonates with me Holly - after my fiance and I finished university we had to make decisions about our future, he was/is an agricultural science graduate, always destined for the 'bush' in an isolated area of Australia, I had always planned an inner city existence as a studio photographer. I followed him to our rural paradise where we fell even more in love because all we had was each other. We were still in the same country as our friends and family but often it felt as though we may as well be living on Mars. We had no running water, possums living in our oven, every window in our pitiful 'house' was broken and I got frost bite on my toes that first winter living there. But we were ridiculously happy. Five years later and we are getting married this year. That unspoken and unwavering support is indescribable and so important. Strength xx
Kate said…
Holly, this post totally resonates with me. My husband and I moved to Florence, Italy in January. We're still in the honeymoon stage (with Italy, that is), but I already know how important we are to each other and the support we provide one another after making such a leap. I loved this post and I LOVE people who aren't afraid to express their gratitude and admiration for the people closest to them.
Holly, I really loved reading this very personal story - thank you for sharing it with us.
Moving to another country can either break your relationship or make it a million times stronger for all the challenges and emotional turmoil you face.
I am German born and my husband is a New Zealander. I have lived in "his" country for many years and now it's his turn to live in "mine". I had to chuckle a little when you said that Thorsten is not 100% German... I know exactly what you mean ;-)
Hugs
Nina
Sometimes for expats our loving partner is all that sustains us. When everything else is strange, they are the familiar. When everything else is disorienting, they are our home. When it feels like the rug has been pulled out and we are scared, they reassure us. When we are not being understood, they defend us.

There is nothing more important than love when you are far away from home.
melissa loves said…
What a beautiful, beautiful love letter...You know, I can definitely see how kind and gentle Thorsten is in his sweet face. What a beautiful thing the two of you have, and you have written it so beautifully Holly. It makes me so happy to think that you have that support and love. I don't know what I would do without my hubby, my anchor. Thank you for sharing this with us hunnie....
xo
Melis
Stina said…
I've never been in a real relationship, but I'm a total romantic at heart and your post made me go "awww". So sweet. ♥
Shalini said…
I can totally connect with what you wrote. As an expat in Dubai for the past 3 years, and in the States before this, it's thanks to my husband that it's a beautiful experience, full of wonderful memories.
Ele said…
Well if this isn't just about the sweetest thing I've ever read from you, Holly! I've always thought that you and Thorsten must have a very special bond, from the way that you speak about him. This was so lovely to read. :)
Helena said…
Your words are the words of Love and I liked to read them.
Karla Tull Aron said…
There's so much sweet love here in your post, in these comments ... Wouldn't it be intoxicating to hear the flip side to each story .. what all these men have to say about their woman?? {chills at the thought}
Thursday said…
I am due to be married in less than a fortnight and shortly afterwards, we'll be moving to a small country near you. I couldn't, I wouldn't do it without the man who is shortly to be my husband.
Beth said…
Holly,

Your post really resonates with me. My German boyfriend too is a person of many places-- he speaks seven languages. But the best thing about him is his sensitivity and compassion. Thank you so much for your blog. My bf and I are separated by the Atlantic, but you give us hope and reassurance that we can make a happy life with much gemuetlichkeit together in Germany.
red | hongyi said…
this is so touching. thank u for sharing this, holly. i can see kindness and happiness in ur husband's eyes.

i will be moving to a new country soon, for work, and i hope i can find love one day like how you have found it so many years ago.
Anonymous said…
I've been living in Bayern for 3 1/2 years and although I sometimes miss the states....I....like you...have a great man next to me to laugh when one should be shedding tears of sorrow. I am fortunate to have my man and my 3 year old daughter give me a big reason to fall in love more with this country. I went to India last year for a few weeks and after experiencing that crazy colorful insane place...it made me realize nowhere is perfect...happiness is seeing past the imperfections and being happy in your own skin...trying new things...experimenting...loving...and eventually dying. Peace, Lis
Oh Holly... Thorsten is so lucky to have you. I loved this post, just too beautiful. You deserve one another. ♥
wwloveslife said…
What a wonderful tribute to Thorsten and your love for him. I too moved to be with the man I loved....it was from Kansas City to Martha's Vineyard but it felt so far away and scary at the time (ten years ago). My love is wonderful and has been there every step of the way. How wonderful and heart warming to know that there are so many terrific and supportive men out there. We just moved to North Carolina and are adjusting (together) wonderfully. Thanks for reminding me what a "keeper" I have as well! -Wendy W. from BYW last class.
Carola Bartz said…
Holly, this is such a beautifully written post and I can completely relate - we moved to California from Germany almost 10 years ago, and my husband is my rock. He definitely deserves that kiss!
Anja said…
I just found your blog and really love it. This post spoke to me in particular. I am German, my husband is American. We are real soul mates, too, and have together lived in many places, the States for many years, Canada, Britain, Germany, before relocating to Germany a year and a half ago. In fact, we are living in Göttingen now not far from Hannover and will celebrate our 10th anniversary this June!
Anonymous said…
touching story!
carly said…
I am yet another person touched by your post, for its familiarity to my life, an American living with my German in the Netherlands. It all sounds so complicated, but feels simpler with such a person for support. I have lived abroad for six year now, but it's still really encouraging to read the stories of so many others taking the same route. Thank you for sharing! carly
Andrea said…
I know how difficult it is to start from scratch in Germany. I did it twice, once in Berlin, and once in Frankfurt. The homesickness hits you a few times, and having some one there to help you through makes a massive difference.

I didn't, but I made friends which worked for me. Both expat friends and german friends.

It can be extremely difficult. Even though I had grown up with german at home and spoke it fluently, I still got headaches from the language (maybe concentration) for the first few months, and I distinctly remember latching on to english speaking antipodean friends!!

But now that I don't live there anymore, there are aspects, especially of Frankfurt, that I really really miss!!
I was listening to Snow Patrol's 'Give Me Strength' while reading this, and the lyrics and your story seemed to relate to each other so beautifully. I'm coming up for 11 years with my husband and feel the same. Such an unconditional, kind and supportive man.
Keep well Holly.
Mira Crisp said…
:) I can relate 100% just the other way around. I am European who married American. I realized a long time ago that if I didn't have him by my side I would not ever decide to live in the states. Also, if he was not the 'citizen of the world' who experienced living on every continent and if he wasn't able to accept and celebrate different cultures, I probably wouldn't fall in love with him like I did. It's really hard to be an expat but if you live in the right environment and have your family on your side - everything's much easier and totally worth moving to the other side of the world. :)
GLENDA CHILDERS said…
adorable.

fondly,
glenda
Katrin said…
Aawww.
I also read all these wonderful comments of all those wonderful people. It's not an easy thing to leave your country, your family and friends and your life behind.

I am very lucky to have a partner who is sympathetic and caring and loving. He has always given me all the support and love I could wish for.

Maybe because it was so difficult to get together we do appreciate each other so very much. What we've got feels really solid and strong.

I am happy for you and Thorsten and all the lovely commenters.
That is so sweet what you said about your husband. It made me think again,what my husband gave up for me when he moved to the States from Germany. We have been married for 4 yrs. now, and have known each other since 2004. I love him with all of my heart.
An early Anniversary to you both, Holly. A very lovely loving post!
Robynne's Nest said…
Hi Holly, I've been living in England for 20 months with my hubby and son. Hubby has been relocated for his work and we don't know how long we will be here. Your post really moved me as I've been thinking lately how much closer the two of us have become whilst living here. Even after 30 years (last week) and 3 kids it's feels good that an experience like this makes me realise how lucky I am to have him! As you say...I plan to keep him forever! Robx
Jennifer said…
That's our anniversary too! Bastille Day. :)

We've lived in Germany for just over a year now. Unfortunately, my best friend and husband has only been here for a few months of that. But, he's always here via skype and email and in my heart and in my mind. And you are SO right about how close an experience like this can bring you.

Lately, I've been thinking about it and I realize that we've gone from being college kids together, to starting careers, to having kids, to picking up and taking on a new country together...what couldn't we do together!? Nothing, I'd say. And I love that!
Kim B. said…
This is a beautiful, beautiful message Holly. Be sure to print it out and keep it forever and ever. You and Thorsten are so blessed to have found each other.

I'm an expat too -- funny enough, my husband and I are BOTH living outside our home countries (U.S. for me and Italy for him) in France. Gets us on more equal footing I suppose!
Nicole J. said…
Holly you nailed it! Thanks for sharing this to us. I felt the same way when I left Germany 6 years ago moving to California. I used to live in Hamburg Eppendorf and it's still my favorite town in Germany. All these cute little cafes and shops like (Eden Living, TH2 etc.) - you know what I'm talking about, right? My husband who's name is also Torsten helped me a lot while I was homesick - especially at the beginning - and I'm still now. I miss my family and friends on certain days.

I wish you and Thorsten all the best for the future!
Suzanna said…
Holly, this sweet post melted my heart. I know just what you mean about having someone who truly shares their life with you and loves unconditionally. We need those people, that is the truth. :)
Anonymous said…
I came to Montreal on 2006. I have no family here, just a very few friends. I felt in love with a Quebecois. I take care of his photo as the most precise thing in my life. I think about him like Diamond, like Crystal, so delicate, so gentle, and so elegant. I believe he is the most powerful, the most kind and the most generous person in my world. I look at him so great. I respect him as much as I can. I admire him for his professional position.
I have dedicated him all my successes in study, all my professional certificates.
I made a stained Glass Lamps to give him as a present of my love.
Because of him, and just because of him, I like Quebec and I like all Quebecois (e).
I have tried to communicate with him in my best manner, in all ways which are possible for me. I’ve tried to show him how much I love him and how much I admire him. In this way, I have listened just to my heart that loves him so much.
But, he didn’t understand or he didn’t want to understand. He didn’t see my beautiful love, or he didn’t want to see it. He has transferred all to my boss, and I have lost my Job.
He called police to arrest me as Harassment. Police put me in the jail. Since January 2011 my life is hellish.
I’m so alone in this Country which I named my home since last 5 years. But, I love him unconditionally. No matter what he did, I love him, and I love loving him.
His name is Jean Carpentier, The vice president of Petromont.
It’s for four years that I request God, every minute and every second, just his real and visible presence in my life. Amen.
Dianne said…
Lovely post. I have also enjoyed all the comments by people with similar experiences. I am a Cali girl at heart and have been living in the southwest of France for almost 3 years. I think there are a lot of realistic downsides that you mentioned to balance against the romantic idea of moving to a foreign country. In some ways as ex-pats, we can't ever really completely "resolve" these difficulties and frustrations. But, I love your positivity in that we can count our blessings with surrounding ourselves with loving family and friends. Thanks for sharing your appreciation for what you have. It helps me to stay positive and reflect on what I have (as opposed to focusing on what I could have if I was home...).

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