July 4th – A Golden Anniversary & National Holiday for Me

weddingIt’s the 4th of July! What a fabulous national holiday! Our flags are flying proudly, parades are being held in towns all over the U.S.A., the barbecue grills are being fired up, and children are waiting eagerly for nightfall to view the most fantastic fireworks imaginable. However, this July 4th. 2010, George and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.

Gosh, 50 years. It seems such a short time ago when we were young, naïve, and just out of college. I would be leaving my parents home for the first time to start a life with the man of my dreams and would be continuing my teaching career. George was completing his doctorate degree in chemistry and would be starting an exciting job with Exxon.

We were on our way!

Everyone is surprised to hear we have been married for 50 years. “How did you do it?” is the usual question. I guess it’s surprising to this generation since they realize the divorce rate in America as of 2009 is >50%. We have become a society where extended families are a common phenomenon.

Falling in love is easy, making it last is hard!

Looking back on our marriage we both agree that certain factors helped make our marriage a lasting one. George especially feels that communication is the key part of our relationship. Sometimes the communication can be soft, or at times noisy, but it eventually cleared the air and led to compromise. Also, we never tried to change each other, and were supportive of whatever the other wanted to do. We accepted the faults…as well as the virtues. Patience was never one of my virtues, but it was one of George’s, and that’s why it worked.

We always enjoy each other’s company from the time we met until this day, but we don’t always like to do the same things or are attracted to the same people, thus we learned how to sacrifice. Our relationship is based on honesty, and openness, and we don’t keep secrets. It was funny to hear my female friends wonder why I always told George everything. My Mother always said that secrets will “eventually catch up to you”.

George has always been my best friend, my confidante, and my soul mate. If I had to do it over again, I would be saying the same vows to the same person. I thank God everyday for bringing him into my life and giving him the patience he needs to be married to a woman like me.

May God keep him healthy, happy and in my life for 50 more years. Happy Anniversary, George!

3 Responses to “July 4th – A Golden Anniversary & National Holiday for Me”

  1. Rich says:

    Hey AM,

    Big congratulations to you and UG on the big 50th! Great post too – some really good advice for us all.

    Love,
    Rich

  2. Mary says:

    Hi Rich,

    Thanks for the best wishes and the nice comment.
    Love,
    AM

  3. Barbara says:

    Happy Belated Anniversary to you and George. And here’s hoping there will be many more for you.

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