Thursday, June 23, 2011

21 Years

I can't remember how I felt 21 years ago when I married Earl. I was nervous, excited, happy. I think I jabbered nervously and forgot to apply lipstick when my Dad came to that upstairs room to escort me down to the wooden porch, down a few steps to stand in front of a tinkling waterfall, tiger lilies blooming thick along the bank.
I can't remember how I felt, but this expression on my face explains it.

We drove my convertible from my parents' log cabin in Kentucky to the reception. That's a barn in the background, not the house! My best friend from high school, Tracey, was my matron of honor and Earl's brother Art was the best man. They rode in the front seat. It didn't matter because Earl and I had eyes for no one else.
Today, we went to Trattoria Roma and sat on the patio. We drank wine. We laughed. Earl said I looked beautiful, and I'm kind of amazed that 21 years passed so quickly. I don't mean to make it sound easy. We've had our share of days slogging through deep sand in the desert (I mean that metaphorically) and sometimes it feels like we're on opposite sides instead of the same side. Every time though, we return to each other with that loving look in our eyes.
As we left the restaurant, Earl took my hand in his and said, "Do you think we can have 21 more?"
I try to imagine us 21 years from now. My mind reels. But 21 years ago, I couldn't have imagined the life we created, the people we've become.
Happy Anniversary, Earl.

5 comments:

Linda said...

Happy anniversary. I know it wasn't easy. 21 years is a real accomplishment. I realized the other day that if I were still with my ex-and thank God I'm not-we would have been married for 45 years. That tells you how old I am.

judifreud said...

awh.

Growing Old Together said...

Very Sweet Pauli.
The pictures says it all.
Happy Anniversary!

On our honey moon there was a couple in front of us, in line for dinner, and they said ..."let's stay in love forever".... We could hardly keep from laughing out loud.

To this day, it's still one of our favorite things to say to each to get a laugh or when one of us is being especially annoying.

Lucia said...

Awww Happy Anniversary!
It's nice to see happy married people for a change!

Stephanie said...

Happy Anniversary!

Thank you for sharing your story and pictures - very heartwarming.

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