Thirty Years

Today is my 30th wedding anniversary. I posted many photos last week of our wedding, which you may see here at this link, if you like.

Our wedding day was cold, and there was a hint of snow in the air as the evening hour approached. The day was a Friday; we married at 7:30 p.m., mostly because the next day was the start of deer hunting season (yes, really). We didn't want to inconvenience the men in the family. And besides, who wants to ruin a whole Saturday on a wedding?

We only had a very short honeymoon - we went to a bed and breakfast in Bath County, where we stayed two nights. We were home by Sunday afternoon and ready to settle in as husband and wife.

While the nights away were terrific, the first night in our rented home was not. My husband developed an upset stomach, (not from my cooking, we had eaten out!) and we had no medicine in the house.

Thirty years ago there wasn't a CVS around the corner, and certainly no 24-hour Walmart. But there was a 24-hour convenience store, and I drove to Daleville and purchased Pepto Bismal, because being newly weds we didn't have that kind of thing in the house. It did not occur to me to call my in-laws, who were just a minute away, for some medication. I've always been a do-it-myself kind of girl.

But once we got over that little hump, we settled in, had our first Christmas, and kept moving forward.

We have had our share of problems - what couple doesn't? - but we've always managed to work through them. We have much affection and respect for one another, and I think those are important for marriage to be successful.

Even after 30 years, we still hold hands when we are together. We hold hands while we watch TV, while we're riding in the car, and while we're shopping. If I had to offer one piece of advice to anyone about marriage, that would be it.

Hold hands, and hold on.