Anniversary

We were married 32 years ago today.

A marvelous bright blue sky dawned that day and the sun shone down upon us. Brides never want a rainy day. It had something to do with bad luck.
I was 21 years, 1 month, and 8 days old. Bill was 20 years, 6 months and 23 days old. We were just babies. I know for certain we didn't think so at the time. After all, I had a full time job nursing. I had money in the bank. And I was in love. Bill had just completed his 3rd year of engineering. And he was in love.

While in Japan, Jackie and I had a discussion about love. The only thing I knew for sure is that "you just Know" when you are in love with that special someone. How do you know, mom?
You never stop thinking about each other. You never want to be separated. It is that unexplainable feeling that nothing else matters as long as you are together.
Only three other times have I ever felt that way. The birth of Jill, Jackie and Alanna. There is a connection that takes you over and you let it take you.

It was this feeling that I walked toward on our wedding day. I was not thinking of where we would be 32 years later. It was only for that moment of letting our friends and family know we were meant to be together forever.

As the anniversaries added up, the time seemed to speed up. It has been a long time since we lived in a basement apartment with concrete block and wooden bookshelves. It has been a long time since Bill would come to pick me up from my evening shift and we would go out for pizza until 2 or 3 a.m.

We have enjoyed life in 4 cities, 1 apartment, 4 houses, and one condo. Location did not matter to our marriage. In fact it strengthened it as we learned to become independent of family.

We have accumulated our material things. It was great. More things did not make us happier. Together and at the same time we realized that life was more than what we owned. We downsized and simplified our life. In this simplified life we have found our lives becoming strengthened as a couple who can enjoy our time together.

We have two daughters, one son in law and our grand daughter. We have been blessed to watch their growth into adulthood and find their own lives. We have been so enriched by our granddaughter. We really should all be grandparents first. It is a much easier ride.

Bill and I do not have the magic answer to marriage. We have magic in our marriage. I live each day with a grateful heart. I have married my best friend for life. And that life so far has been truly magical and full of love.


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