50 Years and Counting…

It was a beautiful summer day, not too hot. There had been a shower of rain late in the morning, just enough for things to be refreshed.

The ceremony was held at eight o'clock in the evening, the perfect time of day to get just the right amount of evening sun through the stained glass windows of the church.

The church was full of family and friends. The music was perfect. There were flowers. And candles.

So began our life together as husband and wife.  

There was a reception following the ceremony. It was a simple affair with punch and cake, held in the church fellowship hall.

Afterward, we drove away from the church listening to the Carpenters singing We've Only Just Begun.

That was our song then. It is our song today.  

On June 10, 1972, we began our journey through life together as husband and wife. Neither of us had any idea what a journey it would be!

In these 50 years we have moved around a lot. Traveled a lot. We were blessed with two sons. We watched them grow up into fine young men. We watched as one went off to serve his country and as the other went off to college. We celebrated as they married and had children of their own. What a blessing this life has been!

Who knew back in 1972 that we would live in six different states, at nineteen different addresses? Who knew that we would travel together all over the world? Who knew all the mountaintops and valleys, smooth roads and potholes, all the adventures this journey would hold for us?

God knew. He knew exactly what He had planned for us, even though we had no idea. This has been quite a journey. Richer and poorer. Sickness and health. And the journey continues. We've only just begun!

I had no idea that all this would be part of my life journey, but I wouldn't want to do life with anyone else. And I would do it all again!

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! I love you more!

 

"Grow old along with me!  The best is yet to be....."

(from "Rabbi Ben Ezra" by Robert Browning)