GARLAND, Texas — Michael Lax, of Garland, said he and his husband, Steven, have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day.
But this year, he so wishes he could.
“You don't ever stop missing somebody,” Lax said. “You may miss them a little less and less as time goes on but you don't ever stop missing them."
When Steven lost his battle with stomach cancer four weeks ago, Lax lost a piece of his heart.
They met in 1991 at Governor Ann Richards’ inauguration.
Although they came from two very different backgrounds, Lax knew immediately he’d found something special.
“I just remember, especially early on, he worked hard to make me a better person,” Lax said.
Steven not only made him a better person - Lax said he made the world a better place.
“If there was something he had or something he could give, he would,” Lax said.
Like many gay couples, they faced plenty of resistance.
Despite that, Lax said their love was so genuine and so deep that they held a ceremony to commit their lives to each other.
And when the courts finally ruled that no one has a monopoly on love, they made it official in 2014.
They were married just a few short years before Steven died in January.
Although Lax is suffering, he doesn’t want this to be a sad story. He wants it to be a reminder.
“When you have it, cherish it,” he said. “Don’t take it for granted.”
Whenever he looks at Steven’s pictures or cares for his plants, Lax is grateful that he appreciated every moment, which gives all of us something to strive for.
February 14 may be Valentine’s Day. But it’s just another one of 365 chances to show someone you care.