I Remember...

It's a big day for ME today as August 11th, 2020 is my 36th wedding anniversary. On that day in 1984 Mary Kay Laun said 'YES' (WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?!)... and she became my wife.

August 11th was a little more hectic 36 years ago.  On that day before cell phones with the wedding set for 11 a.m., my groomsmen took me out for breakfast. Well, Mary could not get me on the old landline phone and assumed the worst. Either 1. they kidnapped me, or 2. I got cold (size 12) feet and ran far away. 

note: I am writing about my wedding anniversary so rest assured I was on time for our 11 a.m. wedding.

This morning in contrast, we shared morning coffee and chocolate chip muffins while lounging in our pjs after taking our morning doses of ibuprofen.  We did pray together and thanked God for these 36 years which included ups and downs.  Those newlywed anticipation of 'starting our lives together butterflys' are replaced with anxious anticipation for those above mentioned chocolate chip muffins. love is still in the air for us two old love birds.. but .. rumor has it.. so is COVID-19.  

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Our plans for 11 a.m. this year is not renewing our vows as the sunsets holding hands exchanging goofy young love grins but instead we visited a local sunflower farm where the above picture was taken exchanging a 'smirking kiss' under our masks safe from the reaches of Covid-19 and Governor Tim Walz mandates. This was followed by fine dining of chic-fil-a for lunch, a walk in the park on this beautiful summer day, and tonight finish our celebration of 36 years of bliss by cooking a steak on the grill tonight at home. 

But though what happened was 36 years ago.. I do remember

• I remember it all started way back in 1980 at college where we first met, BUT... were just friends. 

• I remember in November 1983.. Mary literally walked back into my life at a place called E-Z Stop (a gas station not a dating service) where I was the store attendant while going to tech school.. and we had one of those.. “Hey, don’t I know you?” conversations, and exchanged phone numbers.

• I remember our first date (pizza and a movie).. ok, I confess I am not creative... I'm a guy!
• I remember our first kiss (caught Mary off guard, and it was far from special). The above mask kiss was better than kiss number one... AND
• I remember falling in love FAST with Mary.  From.. 
  1. dating (Dec '83) to
  2. engaging (Feb '84), to
  3. marrying (Aug '84) 

This was my 3 step plan for happiness with Mary as the love of my life, best friend, and a true gift from God.
  

We filled those 36 years with looks, stares, glares, loving glances, rolled eyes, kisses, quarrels, while raising 3 kids that cluttered up our home with good times, great memories… and lessons learned.   Our family titles have included husband & wife, mom & dad, and now.. WE ARE GRANDMA and GRANDPA.  Best job ever!

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So in honor of our Anniversary let me share a few questions that if answered correctly are like … maybe a gift of a 1/2 dozen red roses. <pause> ok I admit they are not like roses, but there are 6 of 'em... and your wife will like you better when you answer correctly.

Behold 6.. Simple Answers by Simple Men to Simple Questions by her

Q1: Are your pants too tight? A:  NO DEAR
Q2: Are you listening to me? A:  YES DEAR.. your cute little opinion is important to me. (scratch that last part)
Q3: Do you have something to say?.. NO .. NOT REALLY
Q4: Do I leave the toilet seat up? MAYBE.. um no, the dog did it.
Q5: Will I still love you when you are old? MORE THAN EVER
Q6: Do you want to go shopping with me?  OK.. I GUESS ​

​So.. in conclusion.. Happy Anniversary to Mary.. and me-self! How time flies when you are marry the right woman. 

Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Jeff (I found a gem) Larson

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