Saturday, January 12, 2013

Wedding Anniversary, 33 Years


     Today my husband and I are celebrating our thirty-third wedding anniversary.  When I spoke with my parents earlier, they asked me again, "What were you thinking getting married in January?"  I answered, "I was too in love to wait for warmer weather."
     Thirty-three years.  12,045 days ago.  On a freezing cold and windy, but brilliantly sunny day, Pat and I married in a church filled with Christmas poinsettia and candles.  Both of us wobbly-kneed and looking back, so very young.  I stood, face blurred beneath a veil, breathless with anticipation and pledged forever.  Pat's eyes locked with mine, and he promised forever in return.
Posing with my Mom and Dad and brothers.
     We were positively certain.  We said, "I do," not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into - just knowing that we wanted whatever life would bring, to meet it together.
     During our vows we pledged to take each other.  Pat was mine and I was his.  To hold each others heart in our own.  To know each others needs and wants.  To know what makes the other laugh and cry.  To know the past and to hold each others future.  We promised to love unconditionally.
Posing with Pat's family.  
     Nothing in life is more valuable than a loving relationship with your spouse.  There is honor is serving them.  In performing a chore, washing socks, preparing food, changing the oil in the car and in going to work each day.
     Sometimes, Pat has to decide to love me.  There are times when I am not particularly lovely.  Even the children know to give me space until I've had my morning coffee.  Pat has loved me through vacations, pregnancies, car trouble, surgeries, pets, and cancer.  He has loved me through arguments, lost keys, driving in snowstorms, times of great loss, and dangerous boat rides.   I've loved him through computer glitches, stock market ups and downs, mud puddles, and cozy nights.
     The relationship a married couple have with each other is the same relationship God desires with each of us.
     But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned up: the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  ...  you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you. ~ Isaiah 43: 1-4
     So, to my dear husband, you are precious to me, and I love you.

7 comments:

HLBurke said...

I really want to know what he is whispering in your ear in that last picture!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!

Stopping by from the weekend blog hop to say hello.POSH

Foursons said...

Happy Anniversary! I adore y'alls love story so much. And these pictures are priceless.

Create With Joy said...

Happy Anniversary to you, dear friend - you made SUCH a beautiful bride and an even more loving wife! :-)

Truly an INSPIRING story for Inspire Me Monday!

Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com

a joyful noise said...

Congratulations for 35 years of Wedded Bliss - well almost bliss. That is how life is. There have been times, my husband told me, I am trying very hard to love you at this moment. I have not always been lovable, but after many years, I am better now. Thank you for sharing your precious story at "Tell Me a Story."

Anonymous said...

What a precious memoir and congratulations! In this day and time, 35 years is a major accomplishment. I wish you many, many wonderful years, more!

caryjo said...

How neat! When I turn 70 in 2-1/2 years, 3 months later we'll be married 30 years. He'll be turning 55, 3 weeks after the wedding. My health seems to be kicking my tail a bit, so don't know how it will go, BUT our marriage has been a HUGE blessing for me, and he seems content and very happy, too. SO, reading your story, understanding some of it, makes me smile and pour blessing your way. AND you look "loverly"... all of you and your dear ones/family. Thanks...

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