44 Years to Build a Great Life

While searching through my archives, I discovered this journal entry I had crafted years ago. I did not I have a platform to publish it at that time. So I dusted off my draft, updated it, edited it and here it is. I admit it is not the typical fare for Defiant Wellness. It is simply a public profession of my love for a woman who has put up with me for a lifetime.

It it difficult to imagine that forty-four years have passed since I looked into Suzanne’s lovely eyes and said, “I do!”. I am even more amazed that she echoed the words back to me. Though we have experienced various trials and tribulations, time has been good to us, and the Lord has blessed us.

It is difficult to comprehend that we were only 19 when we married. Yes, we said “…til death do us part…”, but when you’re 19 years old, a human lifetime seems like an eternity. After 44 years of marriage, and more than 60 years of living, it is becoming clear that a lifetime has passed. Sue and I have been blessed with a lifetime together. I am amazed. I am in absolute awe. I am grateful to God for bringing us together so many years ago; I am grateful that she has given me a son; and I am thankful to Sue for putting up with me even when I didn’t deserve her. Yes, I am truly blessed.

How long is forty-four years? Well Richard Nixon was President. Gasoline was 40 cents a gallon. Delivering a baby at the hospital was $275. Delivering a first class letter was 8 cents. A new Corvette was $5,475 (we should have bought one as an investment). A decent new house could be had for under $25,000. And best of all – a marriage license was two dollars.

My life has been marred with many regrets over the years. But marrying Suzanne Monique Renaud is one thing that I would gladly repeat every January 23rd. Marrying her is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done.

Suzanne, I love you far beyond words.

“I Do!! Til death do us part!”

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