ANNIVERSARIES...Giddy-up

The G-woman and I have never made a big deal about our anniversaries over the course of our marriage. We have not planned or scheduled special celebration cruises, a trip to Hawaii, or even big events to help us celebrate marriage miletones. Those things are great to do...but making such plans are just not who we are.

This past week, my best friend and first wife, and I, celebrated 39 years of marriage. We enjoyed the day working and then met Steve and Vicki, along with Aubs, Aitchie, and Mr. Will for a Great Lakes (G & L) hot dog in Grand Haven. Now that's our style. We are blessed to have 3 wonderful children and 3 great son's and daughter-in-law...along with 5 healthy and full-of-life and fun, grandchildren. Every day is a celebration when we can spend time with them!

Many of you have been asking us for the secret to be happily married for 39 years...well, okay, nobody has really asked but I'll bet you're all wondering...

The secret?

Enjoying each other fully each day, not taking ourselves seriously, laughing together, building in regular times to do what we love to do, and verbally "choosing" each other each and every day. That all adds up to love and respect. The picture at the top of this posting was taken 4 years into our marriage. Thirty-five years later, we're continuing to experience even more joy and more fun. We're thankful!

Giddy-up!

PARADE OF APPLAUSE AND THANK-YOU'S

I had an opportunity to borrow a Pontiac G6 convertible from Elhart Pontiac, a local car dealer, in order to give my dad a ride in the local Memorial Day Parade. Thanks Elhart!

This is the second time I've done this and it was once again a very special time. But this time was just a bit more special with my 93 year old dad was riding shotgun and my son Steve and two of my granchildren were riding in the back seat. Four generations seated together in one Pontiac G6.

I was overwhelmed again by the display of gratitude directed toward all of our military veterans as the parade progressed through the downtown area and made its way to the cemetery. We heard continuous applause and a multitude of "thanks for serving" comments, during the entire parade route. It was an emotional time for me as I watched my dad take it all in. Being cheered for the contribution he made for the cause of freedom some 64 years earlier, had to make him feel appreciated.

Before the parade started I suggested that he should have worn his medals. He didn't respond, he was just honored to be part of the day, along with one of his grandkids and two of his great grandkids. A quiet hero...no bragging...no strutting...grateful for God's protection and provision. Grateful for an opportunity to create a lifelong memory for a son, a grandson, and two impressionable children on Memorial Day in 2008.