In 1979 a few days before this date of the 26th in July, a discussion was in serious pursuit. Allen and I were about to make a big decision. I said, “Ok, but we’ll see in ten years where we are at.” Would it sound reasonable today, forty-four years later, how the first ten years sped by so quickly? In 1989 we laughed and said, um, we need more time together.
A couple of days ago while sitting in the living room, a storm possibly brewing down south of us, he said, “That day I was so happy and in disbelief.” My memory easily skirted back to how we planned to leave early from our jobs, change into better clothes, drive to Bisbee to the courthouse, and enter the judge’s chambers at two o’clock. We had told no one. I can feel, see, and understand it as if yesterday. I knew he was happy, and so was I or we wouldn’t be doing such a spur-of-the-moment, lifetime change.
“Why in disbelief?” He said, “Because I couldn’t believe you would ever marry me.”
I have always kept a diary since I was fifteen and when in my early fifties, I dug those out, glanced at them, and tossed them out forever. Once Allen and I ‘got together’, I jotted down more details, places, people, events, and feelings for years and years. A few months ago, I began reading through all those ‘marriage’ journals. It is amazing what I am finding out. Patterns being set, patterns that should have spoken loudly as to the future but ignored for various reasons. Noting the smallest of details that would end up having more than one huge impact on life actions that could have been avoided or maintained in a better fashion. The things we did, the things others did, the effects of all. But isn’t that part of living on stairsteps, up and down, up and down, all of which take you places?
But in every entry, I also noted the pattern of what it takes to be together, the outlying and underneath sources that bind. Recently, we gratefully reviewed the lessons of the necessity of patience and the value it gives. Waiting on the right moment, the right day, or even the right year. The usage and acreage of patience are broad.
Our story, like many others, is our own. And here we are, having conversations without words required at times and having conversations we enjoy hearing each other say. I could go on. What we are looking forward to is that we are here, in each other’s eyesight, hearing distance, and care.
Knowing what I know now, if to rewind backward to that afternoon in 1979 when Allen asked me, I probably would’ve said “Ok, but let’s see where we are in fifty years.”
Time goes far too fast — frankly my dear, a true Happy Anniversary!
So sweet. What a beautiful picture of you two!
Thank you, Vickie.
Sweet! What a beautiful picture of you two.
Happy Anniversary. How good it is to be in the present with one another, but also to look back on where you have been and now to move forward into whatever the future brings.
Thank you, Nancy, I certainly appreciate your sentiments and taking time to reply.
Lovely piece about a long-lasting loving relationship! My partner and I will mark 30 years next month; wow…how times flies when we have chosen the right person…
Congrats on your upcoming 30! It is special to spend fly time with someone who is ‘just so’. Thank you, Amanda.
Beautifully written. You captured love with its complicated care, gifts, and yes, trials too.
Happy Anniversary! You are wonderful people and great neighbors! It’s so wonderful when you’ve found your perfect soul mate. Time fly’s so fast, I can hardly believe Pete and I are celebrating our 40th in September.
Leslie, know you and Pete are a special couple and so happy we live so close and are such good friends.
Love your story Sally how you & Allen got together, naturally I knew you were married & so happy for you both, just didn’t know details. Marsha knew you & your parents better than I. But your my true sister & Allen my baby brother and we belong to a spiritually family. We will have forever to enjoy one another’s company. So many exciting things coming to happily enjoy. Agape, Marilyn
Marilyn, thank you for your comment. Allen has two wonderful sisters for sure!
HAPPY 44TH ANNIVERSARY
Sally & Allen, HAPPY 44TH ANNIVERSARY, sorry forgot to put on my comment. This Las Vegas heat of 112 today is getting to me. Enjoy your special day with Love, Joy and Peace with forever together in view!!
Dear Sally
What a wonderful tribute to long lasting love ❤️. Congratulations!! May you and Allen have many many more years to enjoy each other.
Thank you, Diana. We share many experiences with our mates, don’t we?