Linda is There for 30 Years

You are There

When I am unlovely
You still love me
When I am the angry storm
You are calm
When I am stalked by anxiety
You are beside me
When I am held by fear
You stand near
When I slip or slide
You are at my side
When I am cornered by despair
You are There

Thirty years ago today, August 27^th, 1994, I was so full of nervous energy. Karl and Jay were with me and Dr. Speed. I had not expected to be this nervous. After all, we had expected this moment for years. I remember driving with you, back from some destination, down in Florida. I had been really quiet because of what was on my mind. I said to you, “So, I think we will get married someday.” And you said, “Yes, I think so.” Not a formal proposal by any means, but an acknowledgment of what we knew in our hearts: I had found the person I want to spend my life with. I had some peace then.

Back in the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, you were not anxious at all. Everyone commented on it. I remember seeing you walk down the aisle, and when you got to me, I was no longer anxious. You have always done that for me, even if at the time, I did not fully appreciate it. I’ll be honest, I don’t remember much of the ceremony. I remember staring into your eyes. I remember feeling so full of joy it was hard to think. I am glad I was able to repeat my vows and say “I do.” Kissing you then, as man and wife, was the first kiss of the rest of our lives.

I cannot imagine the last 30 years without you. Each step we have been together. We have shared joy. We have shared sorrow. We have raised two wonderful children to young adults. They have your sweet soul. You have been a wonderful mom, and a wonderful wife. You are my friend, my playmate, the one person I can be fully “me” with, even when I am less than loveable. Every moment has been a gem in the treasure that is our marriage.

The promise of two young people in a car over three decades ago was not fulfilled with a single ceremony. It is fulfilled with each step we take together. Sometimes I am ahead, sometimes it is you. And sometimes, one of us carries the other along. Things will get better. Things will get worse. More hills are ahead of us. Today, we stand on the mountain, with the sun shining, hand in hand, blessed by the God who brought us together. How unlikely our pairing seemed at the time. How obvious it seems now.

I love you, Linda, with a passion I cannot express with words; I can only show it to you through actions. Thank you for 30 years of marriage. Every day has been one of gold.

Hand in Hand, They Walked Toward Forever