It’s been 2 score, double life sentences (no chance of parole), 0.4 centuries, 3 daughters, 6 grand children, 4 states, and uncountable opportunities (challenges/problems) since Crystal and I tied the proverbial knot. That’s right, on April 1st of 2018 we had another April fool’s day, and Easter (praise God), but my most important reason for celebration, to assure any future earthly happiness, was Crystal and my 40th wedding anniversary. My mother, Mimi, had a saying to describe a long period of time in German, that pigs don’t live that long. I guess it sounded better in German.
As I write this blog, it is my truest desire to come up with some words or a formula that will help people live better lives, and maybe even give a boost to the institution of marriage. I guess that’s one reason Crystal and I wrote our memoir. Just as a reminder, our memoir’s name “150 Years of Marriage” was coined in anticipation. Since we started by interviewing Mary Jane Carlson, who died in 2006, I know that our three couples total hadn’t yet hit 140 years. Since my mom’s death in 2012, only Crystal and I can add to the total. As of April 1st 2018 our three couples are at 159 years. By the time we are published maybe we should change the name. Think of it, in just another 41 years, “200 Years of Marriage”……..OK, maybe not.
Dad is now 97. I see him frequently. When I do, we will inevitably take a quiet drive along the Scioto River. This river drive is no secret. On a nice day there is a flurry of activity. There are walkers, runners, and people fishing. There are bike riders, and skate boarders, people walking dogs and pushing baby carriages. There are also boats on the water and occasionally we see the OSU sculling teams working out.
Water fowl are also frequently around in abundance. Occasionally, we will see gray or blue heron. But, more frequently, there are seagulls, ducks and Canadian geese. Most often, the ducks and geese are in fairly large groups. But what I find interesting is that you rarely see them by themselves. Often they are in matched pairs. I am given to understand that they generally mate for life. They share responsibilities such as finding food or raising families. They fly together and swim together. Oh, their bonding isn’t perfect. Male geese are well known philanderers. Sometimes their honking seems akin to a squabbling couple. But they generally stay together until one dies. I sometimes wonder if they were put here as an example for us. Crystal has, on occasion, called me a silly goose.
What is the difference between a marriage lasting 4 years and 40 years? Three things: choosing well, commitment, and a lot of luck! I guess Crystal and I have all three. Crystal will tell you that we were brought together by God. While I don’t disagree, you would think God’s plan would have moved a little smoother. Between job changes, multiple moves, serious health problems, family issues, etc., etc. etc., you have to wonder. But maybe that’s part of it. We haven’t had a perfect marriage. I don’t know if that exists. However, looking back, when the “opportunities” were presented, we closed ranks and worked together. I would even say they may have brought us closer together.
Today, when we sit on the couch and watch “Monk” or some other, as our kids would say, corny show, Crystal will periodically reach over to hold my hand. I guess that’s plenty corny too. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s kind of cool. When I think about the number, 40 years seems like an impossible amount of time. But when I reach back for Crystal’s hand, it’s like no time has passed. I can remember being twenty-something and falling in love with the girl I was supposed to be with. Maybe God got it right after all.
HAPPY 40TH Crystal!
Crystal’s Corner
Yesterday, April 1, 2018, Easter Sunday, was our 40th wedding Anniversary. It was a bright warm sunny day like our wedding day. Of course last night it snowed. Forty years ago, on the first day of our honeymoon, we had to scrape the ice off of our car in Chicago. In so many ways, it doesn’t seem like 40 years, four decades, but it has been a long journey.
We got together with all of our daughters and their families and Ron’s Dad at a Greek Restaurant in Columbus. It occurred to me as I looked around the long table, that none of these people would be here, if Ron and I hadn’t gotten married 40 years ago.
In our memoir, 150 Years of Marriage, we talk about when we met, dated, got engaged and married. We also talk about our childhoods and our parents’ courtships and marriages.
I can remember very clearly our time at Bradley University, our engagement, planning the wedding, our wedding day, and our honeymoon in Arizona.
I also can remember living in our studio apartment for several months before we moved to a two bedroom apartment. We entertained our family and friends in that little one room apartment and enjoyed every minute of it. Nobody seemed to mind sitting on folding chairs, our small couch, or the bed to eat with us in that small space.
We moved seven times during our marriage. We have lived in two apartments, a townhouse, and four houses in four states. We are the best packers you have ever met.
Both Ron and I are cancer survivors. I have had more than 10 surgeries including three C-Sections. So actually, still being together, and in somewhat good health is kind of a miracle.
We are so grateful to God for our marriage, our wonderful family, our sense of humor and our deep abiding love for each other.
We know we wouldn’t have survived all of our difficulties and changes without God’s help. Wherever we have lived, we have been sent to a church family, who helped us. We have found wonderful friends and neighbors and kindred spirits.
We also have had a very close relationship with our parents and families the whole time. We travelled often on holidays to get together, and now our girls travel to see family often.
You know you have succeeded as a parent when your grown children are hardworking, responsible, kind, loving and caring individuals. We have also been blessed by two very special and loving son-in-laws.
We have six unique and terrific grandchildren that we cherish and enjoy.
At our table yesterday we had Ron’s Dad who is 97 years young, and our two youngest granddaughters who just turned one, and many ages in-between. Four generations celebrating our Savior Jesus and our 40th Anniversary. I don’t think life gets any better that this.
Even though life has thrown a lot of curve balls at us, every day I am happy to be Mrs. Crystal Meinstein and to see Ron smiling at me.
Our fortieth, the ducks are just sleeping on the Scioto. Both pictures taken April 1st 2018.