I remember 48 years ago tonight. I was 21 years old, slim, confident, and filled with anticipation and wonder – not likely to sleep much tonight. Tomorrow I would stand in a rented, powder blue suit before God, friends, and family to finally marry my love, my lover, the one who was filling my life with joy.
I prayed that if I do this, my marriage wouldn’t end like any of my parent’s marriages, or my grandparent’s. I prayed that I would always be a worthy husband. I must say I’ve been incredibly blessed. Just saying forty-eight years seems impossible, can it really be?
A fiftieth wedding anniversary is a significant milestone for any married couple. When I was diagnosed with cancer eleven years ago, it occurred to me I might not be around for that anniversary celebration. Another cancer diagnosis in less than one year, an incurable cancer, made it even less likely. A third cancer was found four years after the first. The first cancer returned seven years after the surgery that removed it.
Now, I just told you I’ve been incredibly blessed, but after listing these cancers, you may have your doubts. But I’m still here, still married to and living with my bride, my wife, Diane. She’s brought me immeasurable joy. Together we made a wonderful life. I chose very well.
In many ways, 48 years ago seems as fresh as yesterday. In many ways, it seems like it was a distant time and a completely different world. You and she promise, “I do” and head into the foggy unknown of the very long-term relationship. The only guarantee there is that there are no guarantees.
It’s been awesome, and I can’t imagine a different story.
