Today is my wedding anniversary.
It's hard to believe Walt and I have been married for 44 years.
It was a freezing night in January when we met. I was 19 and he was 20. He was an airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base across the river in Illinois. I was working as a civilian clerk-stenographer for the Army in St. Louis. Kathy and Judy, two of my friends from work, convinced me to go with them to a Friday-night dance on the base.
Six months later, one week after he turned 21, we were married on a steamy Friday evening at St. Mary's Church in Bridgeton. We left for our honeymoon in Cape Cod later that night.
Today we are going to eat lunch at a restaurant he heard about on talk radio. He has been wanting to check it out for some time. They have great seafood and blues music. Two of his favorites.
Yesterday we ordered new living room furniture as anniversary presents to ourselves. When you've been married for more than four decades, a comfy couch and matching loveseat are quite the romantic gifts.
With this being a blog about books and writing, I have to make a comparison between writing and marriage.
When I read a book or a story, one mark of what separates the good from the great is: Would I read it again?
Like a great piece of writing, the question about our marriage is: Would I do it again?
Without a doubt, the answer is: Yes!
So, happy anniversary, honey. Here's to many more.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13.
Writing advice, publication opportunities, and thoughts on books, language, and life from Donna Volkenannt, winner of the Erma Bombeck Humor Award. Donna believes great stories begin in a writer's imagination and touch a reader's heart.
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What a wonderful anniversary present--this post--to Walt.
ReplyDeleteYou got married in Bridgeton? I grew up in Bridgeton--right across the street from the Carollton Pool.
And you're right--my favorite books are ones I DO reread.
Enjoy the couch and loveseat---sit there...read a great book...gaze at Walt.
Happy anniversary, Donna.
Hi Sioux,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll have to wait until Saturday after the furniture gets delivered.
donna
Happy anniversary to y'all--such a lovely post, Donna. And something tells me you're going to have a lovely day with Walt! ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice post, Donna! Happy Anniversary to you and Walt! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks. Lunch was lovely!
Hi Madeline,
Thant you!
Donna
What a lovely post and insight into your life. Congrats on those years...glad you are still bragging on Walt!
ReplyDeleteI think furniture is a very romantic gift. It is a great place to snuggle together and that it looks nice and is comfortable for others to sit is only a bonus!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and Happy Anniversary.
Wow! I've heard your story about you and Walt before, but I either never heard, or didn't remember, you only knew each other SIX months before you got married! That's so sweet. I love it when those kind of love stories really do last. Congrats and wishes for many more years!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteAww. Thanks for your sweet comments.
Hi Sally,
You are right!
Hi Becky,
Yep. Six months and 44 years.
Donna
Happy Anniversary! Good idea on the presents to yourselves.
ReplyDeleteI met my husband at an apartment complex swimming pool. It was no Melrose Place.
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteThanks. Sounds like a romantic place to meet a future husband.
donna
I have to admit that I got a tear in my eye when I read your post today. In a time where divorce and marriage can be done in a drive-thru (a la Vegas) it is nice to hear a testament to what marriage really is - a union based on love, respect, and trust. Happy anniversary to you and Walt and may you have another 44 years and more! rebeca.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebeca,
DeleteYou are so sweet.
I have to admit it hasn't been all wine and roses; we've definitely had our share of thorns (and hangovers).
Hope you are enjoying England. I can't wait to hear your stories when you return to the USA.
Donna
Happy anniversary! Enjoy your new furniture!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Krysten. Hope all is well in Dayton!
DeleteDonna
What a sweet story. Happy anniversary to you and Walt. May you relax on your beautiful new furniture and enjoy many, many more years together!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Thanks, Pat.
DeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteA day late, but filled with all good wishes for you and Walt :)
Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby, Donna. Your meeting and your gift to yourselves are sweet and romantic. You are always an inspiration to me!
ReplyDeleteNow it's my turn to blush. I meant to say you, Donna and your hubby. ; p
ReplyDeleteHi Carol and Clara,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments.
We had a lovely day.
Donna
Congratulations on your anniversary. Here's to many more!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful anniversary! Enjoy your furniture. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary and Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for you kind wishes.
Donna
It's always a joy to know couples who are so in love long after the new bliss stage. Like my father-in-law said on their 50th anniversary: "You just go on down that road together, just keep on down that road together." George Harrison's wife Olivia answered the question of how they managed to stay married so long: "We never got divorced."
ReplyDeleteJim and I married later in life, so reaching a 50th anniversary may be a challenge, but only because of age. I am thankful for waking up in love every day. Best wishes to you & Walt.
BTW - My in-laws call the sofa in their den the "magic couch." haha
Hi Marcia,
DeleteThanks for your kind wishes.
You and Jim are such a lovely couple. I hope you reach a 50th anniversary!
Donna
A late happy anniversary to the two of you. On July 15th, my husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniv. We're only 10 years behind you!
ReplyDelete