37 Years, It's Not Surprising

Yesterday was a special day for me and my husband.  We celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary.  Amid all the turmoil in the world, we still paused and reflected on our lives together and what we were doing those many years ago on the night of our wedding. 

   We had a simple ceremony.  Our families and friends were present to witness our union.  We were very young then.  At nineteen, we both were ready to begin our lives together and meet whatever was in store for us.  Little did we know the journey would take us in such a different direction than where we started on that Friday, Oct. 3, 1969.  Reciting our vows in that little chapel with all those loved ones present seemed so right and we knew it would be permanent.  We had a small reception planned.  Just punch, cake, and coffee for our guests.  Weddings back then weren't really like they are now with bands and dinners and dancing.  We had a reception line so the guests could come up and wish us well and give us a hug.  We cut the cake, posed for photos, and threw the garter and the bouquet.  I and my new husband, changed clothes, and left amid a flurry of rice thrown on our way down the steps from the church as we stepped into a car and drove away.  We were very excited to say the least, to at last be alone for the night with each other.  We had a traditional wedding and we were traditional in our morals.  Our gift to each other that night was precious. 

   We have come a long way since that first night. We remember dinner in our first apartment which consisted of a grilled cheese sandwich.  We had peanut butter, but the grilled cheese was something we both liked and it was warm.  So, our lives together began. 

    One daughter came from our marriage amid a tumultuous labor and near death for us both in 1972.  Surviving the strep infection, we decided to think about having another child.  We decided against it.  We have been blessed with two granddaughters from her union in marriage and our home rings with children's laughter when they visit. 

    Our lives were turned inside out about the time we reached our 12th anniversary.  The oil field went belly up and so went the job that supported us.  We turned to each other to see how we would survive.  Amazingly enough, we did survive.  Actually, we made a total u-turn as far as careers went.  My husband secured a good job with a major company and we have been blessed by this company in so many ways.  He is no longer in the dangerous oil field business and our time together has been wonderful. 

     We look forward to our lives continuing together through our golden years.  We are one.  Our love has grown with each passing day, and I support him in his endeavors with my very being.  He also supports me in every way.  Our lives have changed drastically from whence we started together in that little church, but our lives are more entwined after all of these many years, nothing can tear us apart.