Happy Birthday "Doc"

Thirty two years ago, when we planned our wedding date, it was not my first choice for a date. So somehow when we settled on October 23, based on the Ohio State home football schedule, which believe it or not seemed logical at the time, it also placed our anniversary at a time packed with other special dates.  Four days after we were married “Doc” celebrated his 28th birthday.  Once the kids started coming a year later we seemed to line up the birthday months and found ourselves celebrating, October through  February and one that got plunked into June.

Anyway, we have spent 32 years together.  My love for this man has evolved over the years.  There were times that I wanted to kill him and times that I could not love him more for his love and kindness.  I found out that the magical age of 21 does not make you an adult.  We all still grow and mature in many ways throughout our lives.  We continue to have new experiences every day, whether they are our own or brought to us via our children and grandchildren.

No matter what your age, once you are in a relationship or marriage, you must learn to work hand in hand with your partner.  Sometimes you will give 80% and sometimes you will need 80%.  The key is whether or not your partner in life is willing and able to make up the difference. 

Sometimes you will need to compromise or agree to disagree, but you should generally be on the same page with everything, especially the children.  We went through a tough time when we became at odds on issues with “Mini Me” and believe me in a New York minute she figured out how to play us.  Her ability to get what she wanted by pitting me against “Doc” was at times damaging.  That being said, that period in our life has made us stronger today.  We stuck it out after almost calling it quits and the rewards are amazing.  Our difficulties had an impact on our kids in a variety of ways.  Each of them will decide whether they want the circumstances of their experience to define them or whether they will learn and grow from them. 

For me, it means that I will grow old with the love of my life and continue to “LIVE” every day with him at my side.  We are better people today and stronger spouses than we were the day we got married.  He is not the man I married, and I am glad for that.  He has grown and improved!  Happy Birthday “Doc”.  God Grant You Many Years!!!!