Rarely would I be considered a hopeless romantic. In fact, if we were to play the Newlywed Game, I suspect romantic would never be an apt response unless the question was, “What could you be more of?”
Really it is not that I do not want to be or on occasion try to be.
The year of our 30th wedding anniversary might be my high point in romantic endeavors. Yes, I am a slow learner. That year I gave Patty something special on the 18th of every month to coincide with March 18, our anniversary day.
Today.
Thirty-two years of, “For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health . . ..” This year I will perform wedding ceremonies for a few couples. Our hope will be they experience long marriages.
“She Shows Up”
Lately I have been thinking what might summarize how we continue to enjoy life together. How might I convey something of our experience as both encouragement and “do all you can to get this one thing right”?
One of my young friends given to good summaries contends wedding vows may be summarized as, “Love shows up.” No qualifiers as to when love shows up. No particulars as to the way love shows up. No limitations as to where love shows up. Love shows up. Period.
I like that.
Here we are thirty-two years later and she still shows up. She shows up. Not a facsimile. Not a representation. Not barely. Patty shows up.
Patty does not do Facebook. Maybe I will throw a link up on Pinterest. She shows up there often.
As much as I want her to know I love her and will continue to show up, I want her to know I am glad she shows up. And, I hope that those of our friends young and old who think about life with another will get one thing right, “Show up.”
I love you Patty. Glad you keep showing up.
She Shows Up . . . 32 http://t.co/oBe5S8oAkM
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Sweet!!!! Glad she does too as my friend. Happy Anniversary
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New tumblr post: “http://t.co/lk9Ugmyb1k / on Instagram http://t.co/away42JHR0” http://t.co/dTw9Bm7RVF ,
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????????????????????love her!! Happy anniversary! We just celebrated #30
Well said!! Congratulations to u both on a very successful marriage!!
We remember the day, spills, slip showing and all. God has blessed you both, all our love on this special day.
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I’m glad you BOTH show up day in and day out!!
Oh wow…got a little choked up reading that. What an amazing couple!!!!
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Anyone who knows you as individuals or as a couple are better for it. You certainly have both inspired me to be a better person.
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