State of My Union

I often discuss what goes on at the homestead, or with the dogs, and occasionally with the writing, but I  rarely discuss myself.

But this Wednesday marks my wedding anniversary. 37 years with Greg. (I know. I can't believe we made it either.) Ha!

Over the years, we've had some good times and more than a few bad breaks. But tragedies, even the worst of them, are the bones that make or break a marriage. For us, our true strength comes out when it's been darkest. And we take turns being the rock for the other, so that neither of us bear the burden alone.

I think anyone who's been married a long time will tell you the same thing. Marriage is the ultimate partnership.

I'd like to leave you with a story that illustrates my devotion to someone who's not just my better half but my best friend.

One New Year's Eve, Greg came down with pneumonia. As strong and robust as he was, I almost lost him. He had gone downhill alarmingly fast. I'm sure I broke land speed records to get him to the emergency room, afraid he'd die on me before I could get help.

While we were waiting for a doctor to see him, he started to slip down his chair and he was fading fast. He doesn't remember this of course, because he was delirious with fever, but I grabbed him, all two hundred pounds of him and although he was nearly twice my weight, I held him in my arms and whispered in his ear, "I've got you, hon. I've got you." I kept him bolstered until an orderly showed up and helped me get him on a gurney.

I wasn't going to let him go. I never will.

Happy anniversary, hon.

***
This will be my only post this week. Aside from celebrating an anniversary, I'm hosting a party for my new neighbors, and finishing up some projects on the homestead.

But please stop in and leave a comment. Tell me how long you've been married or been with your significant other. What's the best anniversary gift you've ever received?


Comments

B.E. Sanderson said…
Happy Anniversary! 37 years is awesome. We're at 8 and a half. He was the best decision I ever made. =o)

We don't really exchange gifts. As corny as it sounds, being with him another year is gift enough. Plus, he makes sure I have everything I want throughout the year, so when the day rolls around, there's really nothing to ask for.
Marianne Arkins said…
Happy anniversary to you and Greg! You just keep holding on to each other and you'll have plenty more. :-)
Unknown said…
Congratulations on your many years of marriage! We just celebrated our 25th, and I couldn't agree with you more.
Isis Rushdan said…
Wow, 37 years is a long time. Happy anniversary!

I just received my ARC for Kindred of the Fallen and there's an excert for Mistress of Stone in the back! Had to tell you :).
Maria Zannini said…
BE: We don't exchange gifts either--not even for Christmas. But I like to hear what other people get. :)

***

Marianne: Thank you for popping in, sweetie! And thanks for the good wishes.
Maria Zannini said…
Diane: 25 years is a milestone. By then you're pretty much sure neither of you are going anywhere. LOL. Congrats, hon!

***

Isis: Ref: Mistress of the Stone

Ha! How cool is that? I wasn't aware they were still promoting that one. It's pretty old. Thanks for letting me know.
Luanne G. Smith said…
Wow, thirty seven years. That's amazing. Congratulations! People who are lucky enough to meet and marry their best friend are super blessed in this life.
Jennifer Shirk said…
Congrats, Maria!!

I've been married 17 years. :-)
Unknown said…
Every time I hear someone's having an anniversary, the anniversary song from the Flintstones comes to mind.

*sings* Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, haaaaaaaaapy anniversary!
Stacy McKitrick said…
I married my best friend, too. We'll celebrate our 33rd anniversary on Dec 1. Can't imagine life without him!

Happy anniversary!! Here's to many, many more!
Stacy McKitrick said…
Oh - forgot about the gift part. We don't exchange anniversary gifts. Instead, we buy something for us. This year (as well as last year) we're going on a cruise. I like those kind of presents.
Maria Zannini said…
LG: We were very lucky. I'm glad he stuck around. :)

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Jennifer: 17 years is terrific. I hope you have many more.

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Darke: ROTFL. I'm afraid to admit I remember that.

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Stacy: If I were to pick any gift, a trip would be first on my list. That's a great idea!
Unknown said…
Maria, happy anniversary to you and Greg. 37 years is a long time, and you're right, the tough times are what builds strength. It must have been scary for both of you when he was sick. I wish you many more happy years.

Jim
Renee Miller said…
37 years, wow. Congratulations! Kurt and I have been together about 10 years now. We don't exchange gifts either. It's better when the gift is given out of impulse rather than obligation. However, the Christmas after Kennedy was born (we almost lost her twice that summer), he did buy me a couple of gifts. Two books and a coffeemaker. They were special because he remembered me mentioning the books to a friend, and I'd drooled over the coffeemaker earlier that year. It was sweet that he remembered such minor things. Inside the coffeemaker I found a ring. I remember taking it out and panicking a little, but then he's like "It's not an engagement ring. I just want you to shut up about deserving one. Did I get the right books?"

Not romantic, but it's how we roll. If he'd proposed, I doubt we'd still be together.

Sarah Ahiers said…
Yay congrats!
I'm not married and have no SO, unless you count the twin, and then we've been together since the womb - so over 31 years!
Maria Zannini said…
Jim: Greg didn't have a chance to be scared. He was too busy dying. Thankfully, we pulled him from the brink. :) Then he got the hospital bill and he was really scared. LOL!

***

Renee: You guys have weathered so much in your short time together. If tragedies like that don't break you, nothing will.

I love that he hid a ring in the coffeemaker. I know Greg would never do that. I tend to lose things.

***
Sarah: A twin definitely counts as a significant other.
Happy aniversary. We celebrated 30 years in June and still going strong.
Jackie said…
Maria you are both lucky to have the other and you once again tore me up but Happy Anniversary early and may this year be one that does NOT have any Hard Times to weather but instead just be enjoyable as you two spend time together!

After 30 years, soon to be 31 in December, we are still "friends" too and to my mind that is one of the best parts of being together so long. Of course knowing that he has my back like I have his does not hurt either, especially when times get tough for either one of us.

(3rd PT session today and still going strong, weather kind of turned too warm this afternoon after chilly morning but oh well we live in Texas so what else can we expect but summer time after starting out with a fall day.)
Angela Brown said…
I am so ecstatic for you and Greg. To last longer than some folks have been alive, well, that takes love-stamina my friend. And from the tear-jerker moment you shared, I'd say you and your honey have love-stamina under lock and key.

Many more blessed anniversaries to come.

Hugs to you and Greg :-)
Dru said…
Happy Early Anniversary!
LD Masterson said…
37 years? Pshaw. Newlyweds. Hubby and I celebrated 43 last spring.

I'd say the best gift was one we gave each other - for our 25th, we got married again. This time we did everything we wanted (instead of our parents) and had a blast.
Maria Zannini said…
Susan: 30 years! And I'll bet sometimes it feels like just yesterday.

We were supposed to celebrate with a trip to Australia for our 30th, but we never made it due to a couple geriatric dogs. --Maybe for our 40th.

***
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: Ref: having your back

This is so true. There's nothing more satisfying than knowing someone's looking out for you.

I think that's why it hurts when marriages don't work out. It's not that you weren't loved, it's that the person you loved didn't have your back.

PS Glad the P/T is working for you. I have high hopes if not for a full recovery, at least for a better standard of living.
Maria Zannini said…
Angela: LOL. Sometimes it just takes plain stamina. Did I mention we also drive each other crazy?

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Dru: Thanks, hon!

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Linda: I know. You old geezers and your 43 years!

Ref: getting married again
LOL. I swore to myself I'd only get married once--even if it was to the same person. But then our first marriage was very simple and totally our idea, so I have no regrets.

Glad you finally got the wedding you wanted. Plus your kids got to see it too.
Congrats! Ross and I are 17 years and counting. Here's to many happy returns.
What a lovely post Maria. I had tears on my eyes toward the end. happy Anniversary :)

I've been married for 4 years and 4 months and the best anniversary gift is devoted love. Although not material this is all I need. He always tells me I am the best thing that has happened to him. There is such strength in great relationship.
LD Masterson said…
Geezers!!! I'll come down there and smack you with my cane.
Maria Zannini said…
Barbara: 17 years! You don't look nearly old enough for that. Well done!

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Suzanne: Aww. It sounds like you already have a great foundation. Congratulations, Sharon.

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Linda: I'll tell you what. It'll be crossed canes at dawn. Whoever is still standing when they take the canes away from us, wins. LOL!


Melissa McClone said…
Happy Anniversary, Maria and Greg! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating!

We've been married 17 years. We don't exchange gifts for anniversaries. Just cards! I do remember those first years, going to the Lenox outlet and buying a piece of our china set to mark the day!
Maria Zannini said…
Melissa: What a nice idea to buy a piece of china on your anniversary. I never thought of that--which might explain why I don't have china. LOL!
Gwen Gardner said…
Okay, what's the big idea making me cry on a Friday morning?

I've been married 24 years, and I feel the same way you do.

Happy Anniversary to you and Greg:)
Mike Keyton said…
Maria and Greg, sorry to have been so slow in wishing you everything best along with the congratulations.

Marriage is both love and work. I can be hard work.
Maria Zannini said…
Gwen: May you have many more years together. Congrats!

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Mike: You must be worth it, Mike, or she wouldn't have kept you all these years. :)