This is my sweetheart of 35 years...Sam! I can not believe we have been married that long. But the evidence is there. Two great kids and four perfect grandkids, as well as a ton of memories.
We went to an informal get-together last night at our friend's house, and one of my girlfriends asked me, "How could you stand to be married to the same man for 35 years?" I thought about it for a second and then told her that I guess Sam and I were just lucky...lucky to love each other as much as we do, lucky that we like each other so much, and lucky that we made it through the tough years without giving up.
She wanted to know if I have been happy and I was glad I could answer "Yes, but not every second!" She didn't seem to get that. So I will tell you what I told her...
In 35 years a lot of stuff happens, life happens! Some things are good and some are not so great. But we loved each other enough that we wanted a life together, so we fought for that life...and often fought with each other in the process. But we never fought without respect...and we never forgot what was important.
Okay, maybe luck doesn't have as much to do with a long and successful marriage as plain hard work does. But I WAS lucky enough to marry a very sweet, caring man.
So, thank you Sam, for loving me for 35 years. It has been quite a ride!
