51

Ruth and I started our fifty-second chapter on Monday.  Sunday was our fifty-first wedding anniversary.  The years just keep clicking by.

We didn’t have our sights set on fifty plus years when we began our life together.  We just lived as best we could.  You experience a ton of things over that much time, and then it hits you, most of your time is in the rear-view mirror.

I think we both agree, we’ve been blessed.  We have three children, two daughters-in-law, one-son-in law, and three grandchildren.  We love them all. We’re proud of who they are and what they hope to be.  We’re looking forward to watching what’s ahead for each of them, and we’re ready to lend a hand if needed.  That’s what families do.

Ruth and I worked together for what we have. Neither one of us would have accomplished as much as we have without the other.  Not every chapter has been smooth, but we made it through the tough times knowing we’re better together.

We’ve had some of our friends for the entire fifty-one years.  We’ve made several new ones as well. We’ve had our share of sorrow.  That’s the most difficult challenge we’ve faced…losing people we loved.

I don’t believe there’s any magic to our longevity. In the beginning most of our disagreements were over money.  We really didn’t have much, so we both coveted what we had.  Ultimately, we decided on a plan which outlined who would pay for what.  That meant we both had our own.  While that plan won’t work for everyone, it did for us.

We have we time and me time.  We did things together but took time for individual endeavors as well.  Ruth went on trips with her friends, and I went with mine.  Again, that may not be a formula for success for all married couples, but it works for us.

I have no idea what the future may bring, but one thing is certain.  I’ve got Ruth’s back and she’s got mine.