Seven Minutes #3

 Forty years 

Our fortieth anniversary

Seven minutes starts now!

Forty years. Together forever no matter what. We've had a lot of no matter what since we married in 1986. A lot of no matter what! We've had financial difficulties since day one. We've dealt with a lot of baggage that we both came into the marriage with resulting from less than ideal childhoods. We were relatively new Christians. We were selfish. We had different ideas on a lot of things. We still do. The fights aren't so do or die now. We don't really fight anymore. It's more likely to be a piddle fight here or there. Those are the little tiffs one has about insignificant things... and of course, tone of voice. ~wink~

Why are we still together? Quite simply, we made a vow to each other and to God. We also agreed, during a terrible time during the beginning of our marriage that we would never say the "d" word. If you never use the word, you don't irreparably damage trust and the relationship. We've known that it was the two of us together no matter what. We've known that separation would just make things harder. We've learned to love each other for who we are and not who we want the other to be or even thought the other was when we married. I've learned that to be married to a dreamer i.e. entrepreneur means that I'm here to hold on for the ride. I've learned to trust in God when I didn't trust the plans my husband made. I'm sure he's done the same with me. 

I've learned that in the hardest, most vulnerable times of my life, both God and Lowell are here for me. Pneumonia, childlessness, four c-sections, many hospitalizations, near death pancreatitis, and cancer among other things brought out the protector and provider in my husband. He always rises to the call. May I do so for him if ever he needs it. 

Time's up. 

Happy fortieth anniversary to my high school sweetheart and one and only husband, Lowell. 

Today at the Bentonville, Arkansas square.