To mark the occasion, I asked my mom, Donna, to write a few reflections on 40 years of marriage. I realize this was a big request—asking her to fit 40 years into a few paragraphs is mission nearly-impossible—but she did it!
This is what my mama wrote:
As requested by Gretchen, I am sharing what 40 years of marriage has been for her dad and I.
October 19, 1968 was a gorgeous golden fall day in Denver when we two became one. We took those vows before family, friends, and God at St. Vincent De Paul Church with a Priest and a Protestant Minister officiating. The years since have been filled with love, joy, tears, lots of prayer and of course, trials. The vows we took meant something to John and I. I credit God for blessing us with more joy than tears, and with the ability to trust each other and work through difficulties. I feel we both gave 100% to our marriage most of the time.
We raised two daughters and a son. They each have their own splendid families. They’ve given us 10 precious grandchildren with more on the way.
We survived living paycheck to paycheck by not using credit cards and the teenage years with a united front and much prayer. We always strived to have the family meal together. I love casseroles and he is a meat and potato guy. I learned not to put peas in the one casserole he loves, tuna.
We had family nights where the kids put on a show. We camped and saw the sights in our state and surrounding ones. We did the Disney trip once when the kids were old enough to appreciate it. Looking back, John and I didn’t give ourselves those special alone times away from kids. Everything we did usually involved the kids.
It is quieter at our house. Life is slower and easier. We have our routines. The success that we have had comes from being content with what we have. We have a good start on growing old together now and it is my hope, Lord willing, that we have many fun adventures ahead for the two of us and with the families. I’m not ready for the rocking chair. John may need a little prodding!