Tomorrow I turn 74. One year away from three-quarters of a century. It is also my 52nd anniversary. Yes, I was married on my birthday. I thought it would make it easier for Andy to have only one date to remember...rather than two. And he has never disappointed me!
1945 was a good year. My family greeted me with much joy. Two boys...and then a little girl. I don't think my dad ever quit smiling when my mom had me. He so wanted a little girl. And I was it. Spoiled? Maybe just a little. Those were happy years....and great memories growing up in a little town in Illinois.
And then I went away to college in Wisconsin. One day I was standing near the stairs in the library. I saw a pair of work boots descending....and who in the world wore work boots in college in 1964? My friend introduced me to a lanky young man who was in her geology class. And the rest is history. I was smitten. From the first date at Fraternity Informals until he asked me to marry him...long distance. I was in Arizona. He was in Wisconsin getting ready to head out to Maine.
Talk about a whirl-wind wedding...but thankfully it all came together.
The places we have been. Prospecting for asbestos for Johns Manville in Maine(my honeymoon.) Back to Wisconsin to work in a foundry(him) and wait tables(me). Then the Army called. Our first separation while he took basic. Then to Augusta, Georgia and Fort Gordon where he took a year to become an Army Medic. Then Viet Nam for a year. Including a trip to Cambodia when I didn't hear from him for two long weeks. I sat in front of the TV one night while our President announced that our troops had gone into that region...and I knew with heart wrenching certainty that Andy was there too. Long nights. Long days. But he made it home. Then back to college. A few years being an assistant at WIU in Macomb. Bought our farm in Oregon County. Had a baby girl. Moved to the farm. Left there after two years. And here we are in Gainesville..or the outskirts of Luna...going on 43 years! Amazing.
What have I learned in 74 years? Always trust your heart. Say your prayers and go to bed with a clear mind and conscience. And never forget to say I love you....
