Golden

I used to think of people who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary as REALLY, REALLY, REALLY old.  I’ve had to revise that assessment. A pastor friend told me that less than one percent of newlyweds make it to their fiftieth anniversary.  I believe him.  I count Carolyn and myself as among the survivors.

Asking Carolyn to marry me has been the best decision I’ve ever made.

Fifty years ago this past Saturday, I vowed to take Carolyn as my lawfully wedded wife until death us do part.  That day seems like just yesterday and I vividly remember how nervous I was standing up there in front of our family, friends, the preacher and God as I made that vow.

Our journey together has taken us in a lot of unexpected directions.  As a young man standing there that afternoon, I could not have even imagined where life would take us.  Life continues to surprise me.  Two years ago, I could not have imagined what the last couple of years would bring, even as I retired from elected office, we looked for a smaller home with no stairs, and we looked forward to living life at a less hectic pace and spending more time traveling.  Life now seems busier than ever.

We’ve been through a lot over the past five decades:  Joy, sadness, laughter, tears, and all the other emotions two people can share.  Throughout it all, I’ve been able to count on Carolyn when I have needed her the most.

The high point of my morning is waking up with Carolyn next to me, knowing that whatever life throws at us today, we’ll face it together.

Rob