I think what we've learned through the years is how the “love” that one experiences when we first realize there is a down to earth person who we love for his and her being, talents/personality and quite frankly quirks and everyday actions, is something that just keeps growing over the years. Did we think all those years ago that at this time in our lives we would love one another even more? Probably not, and most newlyweds wouldn't believe that if you told them.

After a wedding we suddenly realize that there is a “marriage.” And that it is a daily learning experience with a lot of feelings and newness that keeps the excitement alive. After a number of years it can be a time of getting into a “rut” if the newness dies. It also gives new meaning to “knowing how the other one is thinking” at any given moment. This leads us into the realization that we can actually finish one another’s sentences and know when to jump in at the right time when a joke or story is being told, or when the best time to share an idea is, or if another time is better to bring up a problem.

When we first get married our lives are filled with dreams and goals, plans for the future; and soon our family starts and grows. What makes a marriage strong are not the things we acquire and obtain in our years together, they are the things we go through together as a couple. We remember well the sick nights when the children were small and we took turns staying up, and the trips to ER, not knowing the outcome of an illness or accident. It is being there and supporting and helping, loving and caring as a relative leaves this earth, and comforting heartbroken children who have lost a grandparent. It’s knowing how to handle endless phone calls and situations that are tossed our way at any given moment. It is becoming ONE with the man you married and knowing that God had him all picked out for your lives together, and growing in life through love.

When I finished my first book of short stories, Beach Walks, I had several book signings scheduled around the area. One took place in a small southern town an hour away from our home. The lady wanted me to come on Valentine’s Day and set up my books in her place of business. I had frequented this spot on a number of occasions; it was an old brick building that had been a large hardware store at the end of town, and it had a railroad track running right in the middle of the small quaint village. This old building which was now an antique shop was filled with a variety of vendors and items to sell to the public. The town was well marked and on a direct route from the Master’s Golf Tourney in Augusta, GA to Hilton Head Island, SC.

On the morning of my book signing I had a radio interview from my home, and my hubby planned to take the afternoon off work to drive me to my special event. With dozens of books in the back seat of our vehicle, we set off for our small town adventure and my special day.

But the specialty of the day began a few minutes after we were driving and my hubby told me to open the glove compartment in our car. I reached in and brought out a card; with all that was going on he remembered it was Valentine’s Day! As I was ready to shut it, he said, “There’s more,” and I reached in again, this time to find a box with a smaller box attached. I tore open the paper on the first box to find a green cross pen, which in a note explained it was for my book signing. He had thought of something sweet and a contribution to my day. The other gift was an always welcomed box of chocolates!

At the book-signing I was delighted to see a special area that had been fixed up for me, and how attractive the table and flowers and little antiques surrounding it were. I was even happier when I saw a line of people ready to meet the author! We were there for two hours that seemed to speed by. I enjoyed talking with the people who came to meet me and purchase my book, and I felt like part of their community. The local newspaper editor was there and we posed together for a special picture. In the late afternoon I bid farewell to my new friends at the antique shop, and my hubby who had stood by smiling, talking with town folks, and ready to help when I needed him, escorted me to the car.

The day was far from over, and since we hadn't eaten in several hours, we stopped for dinner. We chose a restaurant on our way home that was located on the water and had a variety of seafood, something we both enjoy. That was over four years ago and that guy is still doing things that he knows pleases me. His hair is no longer blond, as his years of wisdom shows on his head these days, and I'm finding gray strands in my dark hair as well. We've gained weight and find the need for Ben Gay and medication that wasn't needed in our early years is really needed now! The changes are gradual but they are part of a passage in life as in the journey of love and marriage we grow. I think back to that day 36 years ago and through the years, the laughter, tears, trials and adventures that continue to take place, I've still got the sweetest guy!