2012

You have been with George since your school days. You were two grades younger than him, but you connected early and never really let go. Nearly 35 years together. You have one child: a girl, born in 1990.

Now in her early twenties, she's well on her own doing her thing, though she visits pretty often. You can't complain.

You have been his rock through everything, and he has been yours. You were there when George lost his mother in 1997, providing comfort and love during a time of deep grief, and supporting him through the scandal of 1998 in the public bathrooms, when his privacy and dignity were deeply violated. Later, when you lost both of your parents, George stood by your side, proving over and over that your bond was unbreakable.

This year George has been on the Symphonica tour, an orchestral series of concerts across Europe that marked his return after a serious illness, and he even performed at the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympics, singing classics and his new song “White Light,” released to celebrate 30 years since his first chart hit.

This morning, you’re eating breakfast and drinking coffee. George is wearing striped pajamas. You are wearing just your clothes from the day before, as you'd been to lazy to change before bed. George gets up, kisses you on the cheek, and gets more coffee.