Anniversary: Where Does the Time Go?

[1001001]

Today is our wedding anniversary. My wife and I have been married for 17 years.

It doesn't seem that long ago we were young and full of hope.

Now I have gray hair and bifocals and I haven't slept all the way through the night since I can't remember when.

Our oldest is about to start high school.

Back then we'd stay up late, have friends over for a few dozen drinks, and sleep until noon.

Now we take naps, and still if we make it past 10:00 it's a miracle.

Back then a young, exciting new Democrat was about to take over the White House, George Bush's war with Iraq was winding down, and the economy was in the crapper.

Now....well, you get the point.

So what lessons can be gleaned from 17 years of wedded bliss? Sadly, nothing profound or new. Just the usual suspects.

Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint.
It's okay to have your own interests.
It's okay to spend time alone.
Marriage is hard work.
A good marriage requires a comfortable couch.
A man's home is his coffin...

(Sorry I derailed there a bit)

The best bit advice we got on our wedding day is something I still remember clearly, and use all the time:

Marriage is two people on opposite sides of a chasm, building a bridge to each other every day.

So here's to the bridge builders, making it happen every day. Gentlemen grab your wives and give them a big wet smooch.

And maybe grab her ass a little bit, just so she knows you still love her.

 

[Neroon]

Most sinceresy of congratulations, Digits.

Reading your post made me think of this passage from an episode of B5:

"You know before I got married, Emily would come by sometimes to help
me clean out my apartment. Well, I asked her, ‘how come you’re so eager to
help clean up my place, when your place is just as bad?’ She said, ‘because
cleaning up your place helps me to forget what a mess I’ve made of mine,
and when I sweep my floor, all I’ve done is sweep my floor, but when I help
you clean up your place, I am helping you.’ Of course, the way I lived back
then sometimes the mess was too much for both of us, but it sure was nice to
have the company."

But what would be a post to you, without something a little more signatory. I think you know the source...

When the dragons grow too mighty
To slay with pen or sword
I grow weary of the battle
And the storm I walk toward
When all around is madness
And there's no safe port in view
I long to turn my path homeward
To stop a while with you

When life becomes as barren
And as cold as winter skies
There's a beacon in the darkness
In a distant pair of eyes
In vain to search for honor
In vain to search for truth
But these things can still be given
Your love has shown me proof

So here's to the bridge builders, making it happen every day. Gentlemen grab your wives and give them a big wet smooch.

And maybe grab her ass a little bit, just so she knows you still love her.

Already taken care of this morning.

 

[Mutai Sho-Rin]

Coming up on 32 years wth the Lady Sho-Rin on June 11. It also happens to be her birthday so it is double jeopardy. Fortunately, I have an unblemished 31 year string going so all is well.

What you said all makes sense. As we peer over the wall toward retirement (whatever that means these days), the ability to disagree, compromise and move on becomes ever more valuable. I love the "bridge" quote and will be remembering that as the years ahead slip into view. Thanks

 

[Misfit Toy]

Congratulations digits. My wife and I will be celebrating 25 years in November. We have a quote hanging in our home:

"Marriage was made in Heaven, and so was Thunder and Lightning."

 

[Adm_Hawthorne]

Yay Digits! Congrats... it is very good to see such long lasting couples.

 

[1001001]

So here's to the bridge builders, making it happen every day. Gentlemen grab your wives and give them a big wet smooch.

And maybe grab her ass a little bit, just so she knows you still love her.

Already taken care of this morning.

Excellent. A good ass grabbing now and again is important to a marriage.

Yay Digits! Congrats... it is very good to see such long lasting couples.

Hey there!

Thanks.

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

Congrats Digits and Mrs. Digits. She must be a saint.

We're coming up on 15 years in a couple of weeks.

My uncle told me on my wedding day that if I could say and sound like I meant the following, I'd have a long and happy marriage:

"Yes, dear"
"Whatever you say, sweetheart"
"Whenever you're ready"

The last one has given me no end of trouble.

 

[barnaclelapse]

Congratulations across the board, man.

Time certainly does seem to move awfully damn fast, doesn't it?

 

[Mallory]

Congrats Digits!

 

[1001001]

Congrats Digits and Mrs. Digits. She must be a saint.

Yeah, I get that a lot....

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Happy anniversary man!

 

[T'Bonz]

Happy Anniversary!

Marriage = commitment, work and a bit of luck.

Bonz, married 30 years last month.

(Hey digits, my eldest got engaged last night! )

 

[RJDiogenes]

Happy 10001th Anniversary.

 

[1001001]

Happy Anniversary!
Hey digits, my eldest got engaged last night!

One step closer to being "Grandma".

 

[JAG]

Congrats to you both. My 17th is in a few months. It's been a long and winding road, but what a trip with my lady by my side.

And congrats T'Bonz

 

[K'Ehleyr]

Congratulations digits and all. It's encouraging to hear that love does last!

43 years old and engaged on 1st of May, neither of us have been married before. I think we may do ok though ~ I'm on here and He's on the chair next to me doing the crossword. Wonderful individual togetherness ~ does that make sense

 

[ladyheather69]

Congratulations! (Hubby and I will celebrate our 19th in a week).

I too, love the bridge quote.

Here's to many many more years together!

 

[JonathonWally]

Congrats Digits,

I'm not married, but will do my best to go out and grab the ass of the next hot chick I see.

 

[propita]

Congrats to all!

This June 6 will be 22 years together for me and Hubby, 13 of them married.

Here's a thought that I hope will make you smile:

COME WITH ME

"Come love with me," he whispered lightly
And into his arms she joyfully leapt.
"Come dream with me," he murmured nightly
Into her ear as she peacefully slept.

I long to feel you, close in my arms,
For I have been lonely without you here.
You have beguiled me with your charms,
Forever it's you I'll hold most dear.

You are the only love of my life,
Come share with me all my tomorrows.
Together we'll live as husband and wife
Come face wiith me life's joys and its sorrows.

We'll build a love that will ever be true,
And all that I have, I give it to you.

 

[Unicron]

Happy anniversary.