Anniversary: 26 Years and Counting

I remember the day I got engaged to Carl. I had an idea it might just happen, but did not know the exact date or time, so I was not expecting his proposal. He came to a camp I was working at, had previously gotten the permission of my parents, and we went for a walk. We walked to the end of the cabins and suddenly he got on one knee and popped the question "Will You Marry Me?"  of course, I answered "YES!", cried a bit, and we made our way back to the crowd that already knew what was going on, receiving big congratulations from everyone.

We got married the following May. May 20th, 1989. 26 years ago. I was a ball of nerves, Carl, always jovial and cool as a cucumber. He lost one of his contact lenses the night before the wedding, did not have another pair, and was blind in one eye, could barely see to light the unity candle. Oh yes, always something. We had the great idea to memorize part of our vows. Really? why didn't some wise old person say, um, you won't be able to remember anything, let alone some vows you didn't even write. Its a very sweet wedding video to watch.  My daughters commented on the video one time after they watched it and said, MOM that is NOT YOU. YOU were a mouse. You barely can hear your voice and you seem so timid. That's not OUR MOTHER>  I was sweet, and pretty, and thats what Carl says made up for my high maintenance nature in the early years. LOL.  My friend Kristie has put the wedding video  into dvd form.  We'll have to watch it again with the family sometime soon.

Some of the things I loved about Carl.
1. His blue eyes
2. His ability to carry on an intelligent conversation.
3. He was able to relate and get along with anyone.
4. I LOVED how smart he was. LOVED IT.
5. He made me laugh, ALOT.
6. Phenomenal Kisser
7. I loved how I felt when I was with him. I had never felt that way before, ever. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and just wonderful.
8. I could not wait to see him. Morning, Noon, or Night. Could Not Wait.
9. I loved riding on the back of his motorcycle
10. I loved the way he treated me, his thoughtful cards and roses.

Some of the things I love about him now?

Re-read 1 through 10.

Some more things?
11. He is a wonderful father.
12. He is a great provider.
13. He is wise and we can think and grow and change our ideas about life together.
14. He's a great father-in-law. loves his new son.
15. He's a brilliant math teacher.
16. His spirit is never completely discouraged, still sees the silver lining to everything.
17. He has a heart I can relate to when it comes to the God stuff.
18. I know he prays for me.
19. He talks me down off my hormonal, weird, sleepless night, cliffs, with a hug, telling me "its going to be alright, dear, please don't cry. you ARE doing a great job."
20. He likes me.

So, as we enter into this 27th year together of marriage, 26 years behind us, I enter it with the excitement of the things to come. A lot can happen in a year. A lot has happened in a year. I simply cannot wait to share it all with you.

I love you.

Happy Anniversary.  and To Many More.

Your Jewel.