Today is our anniversary. Our 30th. Eric and I are not celebrating the way I had thought we would be. We had talked about the possibility of a wonderful trip, perhaps out west; a couple weeks with an agenda of nothing more than being together. Two best friends on an adventure and loving every minute of it. I can’t help but think what this day would be like if Eric was here.
What I think of most is the smiles we would be sharing and the completely care-free way we would be approaching this milestone! We would have started the day as usual, with quiet time and prayer together being very grateful for the love we shared.
Things may not be the way I want them to be but today is special and even though I can’t hold my man, look in his eyes and tell him how wonderful I think he is, I can still celebrate. I have loved one man with all my being for thirty years and for 28 of those was loved and cherished beyond what I could have hoped for. We weathered tough times and came out strong. We laughed together, challenged each other to greater heights, believed in each other and became what the other needed as the situation called for; soul mates in every since of the word. I dare say a marriage such as ours is a rare and precious thing. It’s definitely something to celebrate – even alone.
So today there will be no anniversary card or dinner together. But I have great memories and can honestly say I have no doubt that I was blessed with the best! I also never had to wonder if I was loved so today that is not a question either. If you love someone, please tell him or her regularly. Take advantage of your time together and share your heart always.
Eric used to say I was a romantic through and through and that there wasn’t a romantic bone in his body! I would have to say that’s true even though there were times he surprised us both and rose to the occasion with a flourish. However, I think leaving me alone on our 30thanniversary is about the most unromantic thing he’s ever done and I’d razz him about it mercilessly if I could!
Happy anniversary, Handsome. Thank you for giving me all you had to give and being more than I could have dreamed. You are absent in body but present in my heart and I love you still.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
JEV 