A Quarter Century Of Us

It was on this date 25 years ago---- that Peggy and I were married—a beautiful ceremony on a gorgeous day in Ellsworth, Maine.

St. Joseph’s Church was filled with family, soon-to-be family---and friends. Noel Paul Stookey consented to perform his hit, “The Wedding Song” at the ceremony—and Father Peter Gorham (God rest his soul!) did the heavy lifting.

It’s hard to believe that a quarter century has passed since then. Three incredible children: John, Christina and Kevin are without a doubt our biggest “accomplishment”. Bringing them into the world has made this spinning orb infinitely better---and life for both of us is simply inconceivable without them.

Likewise, I have been blessed with a family of “in-laws” who are outstanding in every way. I have never been able to relate to “mother-in-law” jokes, mostly because Peggy’s Mom is truly one of the finest people I have ever met. Ann’s character and personality are completely embodied in my wife—as they are also in her brother Bob and her sisters Kathy & Judy. Their spouses are well aware of it, too—and I’m certain they share my belief that we all hit the “in-law jackpot” My affection for all of them, their children and Mom’s husband Dick are beyond words. Same for all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I am truly a lucky guy.

What’s really amazing is that my lovely wife has been able to put up with ME for all these years. Even more beautiful today than the day I married her, the same cannot be said for yours truly. Grayer hair, glasses and 36-pack abs have take the place of…….OK, never mind. GQ never approached me for a cover shot back then either.

In assembling some of my more endearing qualities, I do have to admit that I snore heavily.

Who wouldn’t ask for THAT in a mate? Combined with occasional thoughtlessness, carelessness and stupidity, it’s easy to see why I was a real catch.

Like most husbands, I suppose, I have not told her that I love her enough, have committed enough transgressions to test the forgiveness of Mother Teresa—and have generally been something of an ass on and off for 25 years.

But, I guess that deep down, Peggy has always known that I love her—even if I sometimes have a funny way of showing it. And by “funny”, I mean seldom. She has been the friend you want in a partner, the counselor you need—and the companion that you seek when you first pop that question.

Much of our wedding day is a blur to me now—as is much of the last 25 years, where children, jobs, houses, pets and vacations have blended into a net collage of fond memories. Hard times, too, however….the loss of both of my parents, two of Peggy’s grandparents among other loved ones---have tempered the good times that have been in abundance. The thought of “what we’d be like” a quarter century in the future would have been too much to fathom on that beautiful summer day back in 1985.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t have written a better screenplay---and I look forward to the next 25, hoping all the while that I can grow into the kind of person who deserves someone as wonderful as my wife Peggy is—and has been.

Happy Anniversary, Shweetie!