She was bright, funny, pretty, quirky ... we had the same opinions about a lot of things going on in the world ... and in our hearts. Children? Why would we bring children into the world as it was? That would be cruel. She would support us while I was in school, then it would be her turn. It was 1974.
I sit here at my part of the desk, bright, early morning sun illuminating the buildings and bridges to the west, trees lush green in the Forest City, lake blue in the distance, a cream-colored ship unloading at a dock ... she's sleeping in the bedroom, breathing steadily, woman now, brighter, funnier, cuter than ever, having been on a path that has been rockier than most ... I can be a real son-of-a-bitch ... with two children, altogether different, but the same ... the same intensity, the same fires burning fiercely, the love, wittiness, intelligence, creativity, loyalty -- same as their mother.
We'll have been married 32 years tomorrow; and although neither of us could have imagined this journey back when men with guns guarded the park entrance on the lake shore on a Saturday morning, and in a circle of flowers, celebrating a beginning with friends and family, with a minister with a Southern drawl neither of us could understand blessing the union, I wouldn't trade the love, passion, kindness, happiness, and sadness we've experienced for anything.
Posted by Bill at June 7, 2006 09:04 AMAwwww.....happy anniversary!
Posted by: daisy at June 7, 2006 11:26 AMholy shit i'm crying. i luv you guys! happy anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: KathyHowe at June 7, 2006 11:39 AMSniff. I hope my partner feels like that.
Posted by: Vicki at June 7, 2006 01:33 PMEvery year, since that day in the park when you and Stace committed yourselves in marriage to one another, I have wished you guys a happy anniversary on June 8th--in my mind,and with my heart. I shall never forget the god awful floral dress I wore,(smile) and how I was nervously dragging Joey by his sleeve, trying to get him to walk with me. We were definitely siblings on that day! The wedding was a formality of sorts, because I knew, and everyone really knew,you were married in soul long before that sweet day. Happy, Happy Anniversary! Love, Trace
Posted by: Tracy Stuart at June 7, 2006 03:45 PMI'm crying.
Bill, do you know how many women read the things you write and wish more men were like you? How wonderful that you have these young men in your life that you are a role model for.
I just adore you and Stacey. You are both amazing and renew my faith in the human race.
Posted by: moonandsun03 at June 7, 2006 04:00 PMthat's a lovely post. happy anniversary friends. may there be many more. many, many.
much love to you both.
cg
Posted by: christine at June 8, 2006 07:22 AMHappy Anniversary you guys. Nothing but love.. its there in your words. :D Hope you had a beautiful day.
Posted by: Charm at June 8, 2006 10:39 PMSorry it's a day late but hope you had a very Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Vito at June 9, 2006 03:01 PMWhat a very nice tribute to your wife!
Congrats to you both!
Posted by: Cowtown Pattie at June 9, 2006 09:35 PMSorry I'm so late, but I just want you two to know how many more wonderful years I wish for you both and like M&S, I have to add that the world is so fortunate that the boys have had you for role models in their lives to show them such deep and powerful love for each other.
Posted by: Keri at June 12, 2006 04:58 PM