When Ray and I got married, 37 years ago today, we were not the same people we are now. We have grown into the people we are today together. We've been lucky. Not all couples do. I had my own version of the future back then, but my imagination was not big enough to imagine grown children, who are amazing people in their own right. And a grandchild?—well, 37 years ago grandchildren were not on my radar at all. Would I have guessed we would be living in Portland, Oregon? No, not at all. Would I have envisioned the twists and turns our lives have taken? Nope.Marriage has to be the greatest leap of faith a person takes. For us that faith has been rewarded with a good life together. We're still the best of friends and still enjoy each others company. We work well together.
When I met Ray I was working as an interior designer and Ray was a high school math teacher. My boss said, very seriously, "don't marry a schoolteacher—you'll never be able to afford a really nice house!" I took my boss's words to heart and knew that I would marry a schoolteacher and I would never fit in a job where having a really nice house was the highest goal to strive for. We both moved on to other jobs and nicer houses, despite that early warning. I probably should thank my silly old boss for helping me know early on that matters of the heart can not be decided on the basis of material values.
Happy Anniversary to us. This has always been "our song."
What a lovely blog entry and tribute to your marriage, life and values!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Yep. I'd rather live in a coal shed WITH him, than a mansions WITHOUT him.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both!
Congratulations. I always remember a quote my brother gave me when I got married--"As you get older, your tripping becomes less light, but more fantastic." People choose lives and you have made your choices well. (And living in one of the most beautiful cities on earth was one of them.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day that was 37 years ago. You were so happy. I remember your first apartment in Boise with the stairway to nowhere. It was a very, very fine house as have all of your houses been. Congratulations to both of you on this journey together.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and many blessings to the two of you! Lives lived well with love - what a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeletecongrats and what a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! One of my favorite songs!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary to both of you -- what a testament to love and commitment!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations...also one of our favorite songs and this is our 36th anniversary year, so we're a year behind you!
ReplyDeletebeautiful picture and an even more beautiful story.
ReplyDeletehappy anniversary!
so beautifully put... congratulations and wishes for MANY MANY more happy years together. After a scare like Max and I just had, you really treasure each minute together!
ReplyDeletesending you big congratulations and cyber hugs. What a beautiful picture. Will this be Sofia's first Thanksgiving? Such fun adventures ahead. Thanks for sharing you lovely story.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful picture. How nice to include Sofia. Your story is a good story -- you went with your heart.
ReplyDeleteCount your blessings today.
How lovely, Terry.
ReplyDeleteGerrie told me that you and I shared the same anniversary, but I didn't think it was the same year too!
ReplyDeleteWe waited forever to have our one and only child, so now we are waiting for what seems like even longer to have a grandchild. Yours is just darling!
Happy Anniversary, a few days late.
p.s. we are also beginning a kitchen reno, but no $1,000.00 faucets for me either!
ReplyDeleteA belated happy anniversary to you and your hubby. My h. and I just celebrated our 13th (second for each of us). I just found your blog. I love it. I love your quilts, your tip for edging, your hair, Crosby/Stills/Nash--everything!
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