A 60th Anniversary!

On March 4, 1966, I married the love of my life and we expected to be together forever. Not once, during our 45 years of marriage, did we ever talk about, “What if….” My parents were married for 70 years before my dad went to heaven. Why wouldn’t I expect the same? My mother saved one of her anniversary plates from their 50th for me, assuming Carl and I would have such a celebration. Then, without warning, pancreatic cancer struck. 

The sadness of losing my husband too soon will always remain, but the joy of our 45 years together truly outweighs the grief. And no, our marriage wasn’t perfect, but I haven’t found one that is. Looking back, I see the Lord’s hand in many things, including us having a 40th anniversary celebration with friends. 

Another little miracle is that any memory of arguments or disagreements just disappeared. Those, “If only…” or “He/I should have…” Gone! All that remains in my heart are the good times. The love. The laughter. The silly, crazy, fun moments, and the comfort of being with the one who knew me completely. 

Since we were separated the first year and half of our marriage, thanks to the U.S. Army, we guarded our time together for the rest of our marriage. My thoughts linger on my husband’s gentleness that held me like a warm blanket, along with tender words meant only for me. Love notes to each other long after our first years. Precious moments while parenting babies, teenagers and young adults. Little things, like Cokes and cuddles at old drive-in movies still make me smile. And oh, the prayers that held us together through the years and gave me strength in the hardest circumstances. 

Of course, I’d love to be celebrating 60 years with my husband, but know that it doesn’t take 50, 60 or even 45 years to make a marriage. It takes love, commitment, trust, and each giving 100 percent. Then when that “together time” comes to an end, the one left behind will have an abundance of memories to hold in their heart forever. 

Happy Heavenly Anniversary, Carl! 

Love you forever!