Sunday, October 19, 2008

Forty Years of Wedded....bliss and blast

On October 15th Mac and I celebrated our Ruby Anniversary. For those of you who don't keep up with this sort of thing, that's forty years. In a world where people try on spouses like they try on shoes, I'd say we're in that comfy part of the shoe where the leather has gotten soft and warm and the support is still there if you make the walks a little shorter. The late Sheriff Kenny Welch always asked Mac, "so Mac, what is this now, twenty five years with this firecracker? When you getting your medal?" I told Mac I had dreamed that Kenny came over and had this great big Olympic type medal and was trying his best to hang it around his neck, but Mac kept pushing it away, telling him, " I don't get the medal yet...she says it's not time." He's right. It's not time. When we married in 1968 he was in Minelant and their slogan was "Iron Men on Wooden Ships". I always tease him telling him I fell in love with the slogan, then the man. Of course I did no such thing. On our first date I knew that he was the one. My breath caught in my throat as he approached me that night, dressed in Winter Dress Blues, that white cap pulled down and to the left over his eyebrow...and he swaggered. Now when we get dressed to go out, my breath still catches in my throat, because in my eyes, he hasn't changed. He's still the same man who warned me that he couldn't dance, then proceeded to dance the night away, never stepping on my feet one time.

So, forty years...and if I'd known then that he snored like a sailor, would never wash a dish (though he'd help clear the table), that changing diapers was not in his resume, and he hated to fly, but loved to drive (and let me drive rarely), that he wouldn't admit to being sick till his temperature hovered around 103, and that he would throw John Wayne at me whenever I criticised his inability to admit defeat (would John Wayne throw in the towel?"), what would I have done? I'd have married him anyway. He's a keeper. And still my one and only. We'll see about that medal on the 50th anniversary...by that time I think I'll have earned mine, too.

81 comments:

Sally said...

Aw, that is just so sweet!

Your story reminds me so much of what my mom used to say about the night she met my dad - that uniform, the swagger, all of it. But, Daddy didn't dance; at least not the jitterbug like Mom could do. :)

Congratulations to you both! I love hearing about long lasting marriages. ((HUGS))

Karen M said...

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your love story with us.

tlchang said...

Yes, congratulations. Maybe you don't feel ready for the *big* medal quite yet, but this is certainly deserving of *something* - it is a lovely accomplishment. I love the tribute you've written to your one and only...

Alison said...

I love that you still catch your breath when you look at him. That's wonderful. Happy anniversary to you both--I would say you both deserve a medal since it always takes two to make a marriage work!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Awesome!!!! The night my husband asked me out he said do you want to go flying saucer hunting with me? 34 years later we still together. Congratulations to you both. I hope for many, many more years together...m....

Anonymous said...

AWWWWWWWWWWW! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Many many congratulations Sandi to you both. Forty years is no mean feat. And your description of your beloved made me smile and brought tears to my eyes at the same time.

A x

Jeni said...

Considering that my ex-husband and I could barely manage 8 years together, I am always in awe of those whose marriages last for several decades. A close friend of mine and her husband celebrated 46 years of marriage this past St. Paddy's Day and when they married in our senior year in high school, very few people thought it would last. But today, if you see them together, you can see the love and respect they share for each other as it shines through in their eyes. And I can imagine the same sparkle in your eyes and Mac's exists there too!
So, major congrats to both of you and wishes for many, many more happy years together.

Everything Stops for Tea said...

Bless, congratulations Sandi and Mac!!!

Georgina said...

Sandi, many congratulations tou both. A real true love story! Debs x

Cath said...

Congratulations guys. That is a fabulous post. Well done (as they say) on forty years. You are so right - it is rare these days (including me) and I love to see the love between you guys. It is just so plain.

Have a great anniversary.

Lee said...

Excellent post, Sandi! I love it when you start talking about Mac in that way that says how romantic you feel about him. My maternal grandparents had the same kind of marriage you and Mac have. They felt so blessed to have found one another. Happy Anniversary! And may you have many many more!

Hugs!
Lee

Vee said...

Happy Anniversary, Sandi and Mac! Reading this post was pure joy. There'll be no medal at 50 either because you'll be ready for another 50.

CatHerder said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! 40 years..thats SO AWESOME...hubby and i are married 25 this year, but are together 28....time goes so fast when you truly love each other and are best friends. Congrads to you!

Christine Boles said...

This made me smile!~ He does sound like a keeper~ but then, so do you!

Pam said...

Aw, what a sweet post sandi! Happy anniversary! A toast to you both!

Aunt Julie said...

What a wonderful commemoration...AND, a wonderfully sincere sentiment. This is EXACTLY why I've awarded you some bling over at my place. Please come by to pick it up!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary, Sandi! I love this post, s'wunderful.

Love Bears All Things said...

Congratulations! I can relate to the snoring.
Mama Bear

windycorner said...

Congratulations! It's wonderful to hear that you're still in love after all these years. Maybe both of you will get a medal on your 50.
Holley

larkswing said...

Wow, a great story!

Thanks for visiting my post. I love the "Gypsy feet will find a way to travel on another day"

Cheers!

Casdok said...

Many congratulations!
Wonderful story!

lime said...

congratulations on and thank you for being an example of marital longevity. may you have many more happy years together.

thanks also for stopping by my place to say hello. :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats and I missed you so much.Thanks for all your prayers for mom. I am so upset today..when I was heading home I got a call Chancey and Em.. Jaydens mom have separated while I was gone. One year of marriage.I can't stand to think of another broken family. I am asking a lady that knows what marriage is about to pray for my son and family.
Much love, Brenda

Hannah said...

Wow congrats on your 40th!! That's an amazing accomplishment for you both!! And thanks for stopping by--- do you think you could possibly tell me who "David" is? lol
I can't seem to figure out where to find their blog! =)

San said...

You deserve a medal for that shoe metaphor, Sandi.

Congratulations to you and Mac. I know just what you mean about looking at your life partner and seeing the same man who asked you out on the first date. The essence abides.

Hugs, and 40 (at least) more years of walking in those beautifully broken-in shoes.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I feel like a mere beginner at only 32 years married!

I know what you mean about the old comfy shoe - and also the 'if I'd known ... I'd still have married him'. And it's so good to hear of other marriages which are holding steady when others are crumbling all around us.

I hope you both had a great day, and will have a great forty-first year!

Gill - That British Woman said...

Congratulations on your Ruby Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated our Silver this year.

It is achievement nowadays for people to stay married for any length of time.

Gill in Canada

Jules~ said...

Awe...what a wonderful post. Congratulations my friend. 40 years is definitely worth celebrating.

ancient one said...

Happy Anniversary! God is Good! Aint Love Grand?

Unknown said...

Awww Sandi what a wonderful tribute to your hubster, really lovely. Many congrats on a major milestone these days!

So did you get a ruby?

Unknown said...

That's precious and brought a tear to my eye! 40 years! That is an awesome goal and it sounds like you're just as much in love!

Diva's Thoughts said...

I so love that story!!!!!! Wow!

Congrats to you two!

Kappa no He said...

This is so sweet. Congratulations!

Mockingbird Hill said...

How lucky that forty years has not dimmed your first visions...

Happy Anniversay, Sandi & Mac...

Cheffie-Mom said...

Awwww, this is such a sweet post. I can relate, I've got a keeper too! (: Happy Anniversary!

Akelamalu said...

Congratulations Sandi and Mac!

MWM and I will have been married 34years in December though we first 'went out' with each other 44 years ago!

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Happy Anniversary to you both! What a wonderful story. Hx

holly said...

congratulations! my hat's off to you. well, my hat would be off to you if i wore one.

Unknown said...

Congrats to you and Mac Sandi! 40 years is something to be proud of and I bet you are both lucky to have each other. Here's to 40 more!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Happy Wonderful 40 years! What a lovely tribute to Mac. My hubbie and I are coming up on 30 this next year.

And yes! There is still color here in the NC mountains! You need to come now though. This next week or two will see the best of the color and then it will start falling and fading. The sooner you come the better. Will you be in the Asheville area? Can we meet??

Jeanne said...

Congrats. Love the comfort factor and that's so true. But even after all these years, 27 for Matt and I, there's still a surprise now and then.

Betsy Brock said...

40 years....that is so wonderful! Our 25th is in December. Cute tribute to your almost perfect man! ;)

SandyCarlson said...

Happy anniversary, you lovely people.
God bless you on your special day. You are an inspiration!

david mcmahon said...

Congratulations, Sandi and Mac - and may you have 40 more.

DogLover said...

That's a wonderful testimonial!

Marriages need a good bit of hard work, however fond you are of each other. The long lasting ones are based on the good luck of each of you meeting the right partner. Not everyone makes the right choice at the start; often it takes a second attempt!

Mine lasted 34 years and I foolishly let her get away and marry someone else, before managing to get her back five years later; if I hadn't been so stupid and we hadn't missed those first five years we'd almost have made your 40 years!

Congratulations and may you have many more years together.

Mary said...

Sandi and Mac
Many congratulations and love from us all here in UK Mary

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Sandi! I'm glad I came by here to day to wish you & Mac a very happy 40th anniversary! That is a huge milestone these days & I'm so happy for you. What a sweet story about your man. Thank you for coming by to see me. I wish I had more time to visit everyone who drops by all the time, but it's just impossible. xoxo

i beati said...

sounds like you 2 got it right - If I had known I'd have run off and mined a ruby or 2 for you --- haahahah

Debra from Bungalow said...

That's a wonderful story! Congratulations on keeping your marriage alive after 40 yrs. Not many people can attest to that. There's something breath taking about a man in uniform.

So glad you liked the apple recipe, it's yummo.
Take care, DebraK

Rambling Woods said...

Happy Anniversary Sandi..we celebrated 25 years last year.. This is a beautiful post..Michelle

Vee said...

Yes, I've been visiting your blog for some time now...I was too busy to bother to pop out your playlist. Anyway, just wanted you to know that I've enjoyed it very much. Thanks!

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Congratulations to you both Sandi. A great life, well lived! What more could you ask for.

Saz said...

wow 40...rock on!! An achievement indeed...congrats on POTD

Rune Eide said...

Congratulations with both anniversary and mention at David's!

PS I have only reached 36 ;-)

Country Cottage Chic said...

Congratulations to both of you!!!

Zuzana said...

Sandi, I am repaying your visit to my place and likewise congratulating you on the nomination (and your anniversary;).
This is one of the most wonderful posts I have read for a long time; I love the lightness of your writing and the choice of the subject. You made it moving and poetic, yet so very straightforward and sincere.
I hope you win next time.

Shrinky said...

Sandi, you both have found that rare and precious thing, your soulmates. Such love there, shining out. Congratulations hon, and also a huge pat on the back because anyone in for the long haul knows marriages like yours can only blossom with careful tending. Comprimise, respect and being big enough to admit you may not always be right needs to be mixed in with love and good intentions. Seems you have achieved the balance perfectly. x

indicaspecies said...

Sandi,

Thank you for your visit to my blog and conveying the good news about POTD mention. That was a surprise.

Congratulations Sandi. Not just for the mention of your lovely post at Authorblog's POTD, more so for having completed 40 years of wedded life. That's so beautiful! All the best to you and Mac for many more years of happiness.

- celine

Unknown said...

WOWEEEE CONGRATS! You have 22 years on me :) Have a wonderful weekend.. my baby is sick.
On a happier note, Im going Christmas shopping on Sunday

Woman in a Window said...

Sounds like a good, sound and lovely old fashioned man. NOT old, just good to the core.

Congratulations!

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

See? With 62 comments, I figured you didn't need to hear me chime in. But you're right - I should be visiting and commenting anyway.

My earliest memories of Uncle Wally are of him treating Sherri and I like we were the most wonderful little girls in the whole wide world. I think I even remember meeting you for the first time, too. I recall you being by the front door and us coming up to you and being introduced. I remember feeling shy about it. :)

I'm glad that you two have created 40 years of togetherness. You just don't see that nearly enough anymore. Your boys probably don't even realize how blessed they are to have their parents together and in love. Kudos to you guys for pulling it off!!!

Love to you both,
Sissy

NeereAnDear said...

Oh Sandi.... I have tears in my eyes... what a beautiful love story... they say it only happens in the movies..

I say no way... there is one right here in blogland

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

PS: Thank you for keeping my spirits up...

LOVE AND HUGS

Rose said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful story.

Thanks for stopping by my blog - and letting me know I was on Post of the day! Yeah. Here's to 40 more years together!

Sandy McTier Designs said...

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY!!! Wow 40 years!! impressive!!
Here's to 40 more + some!!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Sandy

Sandy said...

That is SO romantic! Happy belated anniversary, you two! I pray that you have many, many more!

Anonymous said...

Thanks girl..that really is a mans bestfriend hehe. I find any where I take this the men go nuts.If it will just be a few of you i use my trifle bowl for a smaller one.

Abbie said...

So I'm stealing this tribute for my own Ruby..lol

Too sweet, Congratulations Aunt Sandie and Uncle Mac!!

Suldog said...

Well, Sandi, congratulations to you and your hubby on forty years! Wow!

Thanks so much for stopping by over at my place, and for the kind words.

Mima said...

Sandi, sorry that I am so far behind, yet again, but many, many congratulations on reaching 40 years, what a wonderful achievement. I really wish that I had met someone while I was still well that I loved as much as you love Mac, it would have been a wonderful thing. Hold onto him tight and don't let go.

I remember my grandparents reaching their Ruby, but my parents got divorced, so my Mum has just reached her 25th, which is also quite an achievement in this day and age.

Anyway many congrats to you and Mac, and I hope that you have done something wonderful to celebrate.

Berni said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I so enjoyed your post, especially the latter part. I would have to same for my husband, despite the fact that he can be the most awful tease and pest I wouldn't change him, he is a keeper also.

cheshire wife said...

Congratulations on your Ruby Wedding anniversary and also on your POTD nomination for October 23.

Sorry I am so behind I have been busy working this week.

Jamie Dawn said...

Happy 40th Anniversary!!!
Your love is a strong one. It is rooted deep into well fertilized and watered soil.
You and Mac are eating of its fruit daily, through thick and thin.
I wish you many more years of wedded bliss and blast!!
You both deserve medals for staying together over the years and showing those around you what a good marriage looks like.

:-)

DogLover said...

74 comments so far!

Must be a good blog.

RiverPoet said...

Happy anniversary, Sandi! I hope my husband and I will still be going strong at 40 years. We're at 25 now!

Peace - D

Aunt Julie said...

BTW, don't forget that we're starting a Great New Pop'rs Halloween Giveaway at my place today...22 different, fun prizes. Come play, today!

smilnsigh said...

Congratulations on your 40th! We have our 50th coming in a few days.

OT...

Smilnsigh
With Comments turned on.

Miss Mari-Nanci
{"Shoot if you must, this old gray head..."}

SandyCarlson said...

Sandi,
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
You are wonderful.
Again, Happy Anniversary.

Susie Q said...

What a wonderful tribute...I think the two of you are truly soul mates. A long and happy marriage is nothing less than a miraculous blessing. You two discovered the magic and have worled top make it last...now you are reaping the reawrds of it all. Many blessings to you both and much love. I am so proud to call you my friend.

Love,
Sue

Unknown said...

Oh yeah! I was at her blog today! I copied her Youtue videos and sent them to everyone! AND I posted it on my myspace. I am SCARED to death this moron is gonna win. I havent been this worried or so worked up over any campaign as I have with this one.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Merisi said...

Oh, Sandi,
that's so wonderful to read!
Congratulations to both of you, and many many years of continued happiness.