Today is Bob and Judy's 39th wedding anniversary. I question why my parents got married on Ground Hog Day. I also question why B&J (as we affectionately call them) got married so close to the Fourth of July. Actually, I think Judy also questioned the choice of a hot July day in Illinois in a church with no air conditioning. (At least I don't think I'm making up that no a/c part.)
Judy is quite the woman. As a bride, she honeymooned at the cabin. In 1968, the cabin was much more modest than it is today. In 1968, there was an outhouse, and one had to take the "bear club" ( huge flashlight) along to the outhouse after dark. In 1968, the cabin was essentially one room and a porch. But, young love doesn't see these things. I wonder if in 1968, Judy could have ever imagined what the cabin would look like today--with two indoor bathrooms, two real bedrooms, an electric stove and microwave, and even a washer and dryer.
Bob is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. He's an eternal optimist. Stick around him for a few minutes, and you're sure to hear him say, "No sweat," when a problem arises. He always thinks the fishing will be better tomorrow. He always feels anything broken can be fixed. When the boys got banged up playing, he'd tell 'em to, "Rub some dirt on it; it'll be OK." Always a gentleman, Bob replaced the dock boards at the cabin the first year Letha and I journeyed up; he didn't want "one of the girls" to fall through.
Bob and Judy have raised two wonderful sons. In their parents, Dave and Mike have an excellent example of a great marriage--of a husband who helps out around the house, of a dad who fixes things when they get broken, of a mom who laughs and loves, of a wife who works hard to make any house a home (no matter how disastrous the previous decorating choices).
Happy Anniversary, Bob and Judy! Can't wait to start planning the party for next year!
Bob and Judy in front of South Fork, November 2006.
Well, now you've made me cry--what a sweet post. Thank you so much. It just proves what I've always said, "We have the absolute best daughters-in-law."
ReplyDeleteYou left out the part about Cecil and Gertrude being AT the cabin while we were there for part of out honeymoon. Love can overlook a lot. You're right the church had no air conditioning, but that was the only date that was open in our church all summer. The dress with long sleeves seemed like a good idea in January when I ordered it. We were so young and stupid!
Bob and I were talking last night at dinner about how fast those 39 years have gone by. It doesn't seen possible, so enjoy every minute together. It'll be 39 years before you can blink.