On my birthday, in 1972, George gave me the engagement ring of this set. The rings belonged to his maternal grandmother, and were given in 1918. I felt very honored, as these rings represented a connection to the past as we were about to set out on a future together. They slipped off my finger once, and I found them in a patch of dirt where I had been creating a garden. Since that time, they have come to fit snugly, and there is no fear of losing them.
Thirty six-years ago today, George slipped the wedding ring on my finger. We married at my home, in front of the fireplace, and had our wedding picture taken in front of the stain-glassed window in the stairwell. I made my wedding dress, the cake was made by a family friend, my bouquet was yellow roses. It was a late summer afternoon, the sun was shining up until we left for our honeymoon, and then a heavy rain fell. We spent a couple of nights camping at a nearby state park, with a trip to Howe Caverns, then flew off to Oklahoma City where George was to begin working a few days later.
Our marriage has been something of a roller-coaster ride – extreme ups and extreme downs, with lots of twists and turns in between. We lived in Oklahoma City for three years, then returned to New York State in the summer of 1975. Together we have created our own past.
I married my high-school sweetheart. He has been my love throughout, and became my very best friend along the way. This week he has stood by my side, cared for me, and cared about me. I would have wished for no other path or partner for my life, and I look forward to our future years together.
