My grandparents were married well over a half century. We were blessed this year to see my parents and in-laws each celebrate their Golden Anniversaries Back then, marriage was for life. There was never an "option" in "case things didn't work the way you envisioned." Our ancestors were very smart. They KNEW that relationships and marriages are NEVER "what you envisioned". Neither is life. But with work, devotion, loyalty, and a belief that love conquers all, it can be better than you ever envisioned.
17 years ago today I married the love of my life. It hasn't been at all "what I envisioned". I never envisioned finding him after a marriage that didn't work out and left me with 3 young boys to raise.
I never envisioned finding a man who would love those boys every bit as much as I do.
I never envisioned discovering that it would take countless fertility treatments and tears together to bring home 2 more- and then getting surprise # 6!
I never envisioned him holding my head as everything in me came up after chemo treatments
I never envisioned the sheer joy on his face when our grand-princess calls and says "Hi Grandpa! I miss you!"
I never envisioned this love.
This
plus this
equals this
We've been blessed to see one of our sons marry his teen sweetheart and I DO envision a long, happy life for them- they know what it takes.
Today we will celebrate at home. Another thing we didn't envision this week was this household being decimated by a VERY nasty stomach bug. That's okay- we'll deal with it together.
Dinner today: Boeuf Bourgignon (Beef Stew to my hubby- he SWEARS he doesn't like French food, so I don't tell him he does!).
An onion tart.
Yeast rolls.
And my special Bavarian Sponge Cake with Chocolate Buttercream for my chocoholic honey
As Always,
Buon Alimento, Buon Amici,
Pattie and Allie
Posts
Pattie! That was beautiful...so wonderfully stated. Makes me rethink how things may not be exactly what I expected/wanted but happy for all that I have been blessed with.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you two! And your beautiful family.
xxxx
Camille
Happy Anniversary! Beautiful post and looks like you're going to have a beautiful meal. Get better soon!
ReplyDeleteOH...MY! Have a fabulous Anniversary Celebration! You have such a wonderful family, I am so happy for you and your gorgeous family!
ReplyDeleteTreasure your family photos and keep them safe!
What a lovely post - sounds like you found yourself a keeper!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!!!!
:)
ButterYum
PS - loved the part about hubby not liking French food - HAHAHAHA!!!
ReplyDelete:)
ButterYum
I love the way you write! It touched my heart and made me smile. I wish you and Ray so many more years of wedded bliss!! You both deserve it!
ReplyDeleteLove you tons!
~Julie
Pattie:
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on 17 year! Your anniversary meal sounds good. Your cake looks killer. Congratulations
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to you!
Pattie, this was a wonderful post. I want to add my voice to those of the others who are wishing you and Ray a Happy Anniversary. I hope he feels well enough to enjoy his special meal. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteOh happy anniversary! Doesn't it go FAST when it's with the right one? Howard and I will celebrate 32 years this summer -- amazing! And my parents would have been married 68 years this May. There's nothing like a good, OLD marriage! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd about those vintage table linens -- I think they look wonderful layered catty-cornered over longer new linens on big tables -- that way you get to showcase your vintage cloths, and having them angled on the table just seems -- to me, anyway -- to make them look a little daring and special. Like an old guy wearing his hat at a jaunty angle!
Cass
ACK! forgot to say, EVERYBODY, GET WELL.
ReplyDeleteCass
Lovely post, lovely thoughts and lovely photos! Happy anniversary! I hope everyone is feeling a bit better by now :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy anniversary wishes to you! Your post is so sweet and very touching. A good marriage is a treasure beyond words.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations:) A sweet and honest post indeed..
ReplyDeleteGet well soon too:)
Happy Anniversary Pattie! This was a very touching, heartfelt post. I wish you much happiness forever!
ReplyDeleteSorry you had to contend with the 24 hour stomach flu ...it has been making its rounds. Feel better soon!
Hugs, Pat
Happy Anniversary Pattie! i hope you guys are starting to get rid of the dreaded bug! We just got the joy of it hitting us hard late last night. The little princess and I spent the night, well, lets just say, NOT sleeping! Argh!!
ReplyDeleteYour table looks beautiful! And the food, well it ALWAYS looks awesome!!
What a heart warming post...(except the sickly family part - so sorry, hope you are all better now)!
ReplyDeleteI love the old wedding photos that you have.
And your table setting is sooo romantic. Lovin' that lace cloth under your yummy cake!
Rhonda
Happy Anniversary! Somehow, I missed this lovely post until now. I also wanted to say thank you for your nice comments on my blog. Your encouragement is keeping me going!
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