We celebrate (actually have been for this past week) our 34th anniversary on February 13. Bill says that every day is a celebration. I need to make sure that the doctor keeps renewing whatever happy pill he is taking.
I realize how very blessed I am to have these past 34 years. We have two wonderful children – and it is a joy to watch them on their journey through life. We have had remarkable adventures – and look forward to many more. Our families are among our greatest treasures. Our health seems to be better now than then. Our joys are abundant.
This is also a bit of a mystery to me. 35 years ago, I was surprised to discover that someone wanted to spend his life with me – surprised and delighted because I knew that I certainly wanted to spend my life with him. 35 years later, I am astounded to realize that he still wants to spend his life with me – and profoundly grateful.
When we were dating, we would spend hours on the phone after we got off work. I don’t remember the content of those conversations, but I remember treasuring that time. I remember our dates – unconventional to outside observers – ever so special to me. Planning our wedding – and family helping with preparations – again, not very conventional but exactly what it should have been.
The more our life expanded, the less time we spent on each other. I think that is true for most couples. Looking back, I wish I had kept that a priority. I do better about that now, I hope. For a good portion of our life, I always felt like Bill was my better half – and that he made my life complete. I’ve been pondering that a lot lately. He certainly is the better half – at communicating, at goal-setting, at list-making (and crossing items off), at being patient with me, at being a solid presence in the midst of the storm. I love that he set those examples for our kids – honestly, he did a much better job at that than I did.
This past year, I’ve realized that he doesn’t make my life complete. He helps me enlarge my borders – broaden my comfort zone so to speak. I don’t want my life to be complete – that sounds so final. What I am learning is that by his example, I desire to improve/expand/learn/grow more to meet his challenge. When I think back to the very things that attracted me to him, I realize they are still there – and so many more reasons have evolved. Sometimes I need to remember to look back to see how magical the journey has been to this point.
I know I’m not easy to tolerate sometimes. My communication skills need a lot of work, as does my ability to apologize, forget, and move on. I am setting my intention to work on this. I also know that Bill will be patient with me, and I will succeed.
Bill is my greatest blessing – and I create my own happiness because of his presence, influence, inspiration, and love in my life. And, Honey – Mr. Wonderful – I will continue to work to be your greatest blessing and help you create your own happiness! I love you so much – and thank God for you everyday! Here’s to another awesome 34!
Lert
Lert's Lessons in Grace 