13 years ago this week, my husband and I were married in a simple outdoor civil ceremony. So many things have changed since then, my journey back to the practice of my faith, the blessing of our marriage in the Church, Rick’s conversion to Catholicism, and our decision to say yes to parenthood when we were in our 40s. Yes, so many changes, yet some things never change especially when it comes to my husband:
His Sense of Humor
The first thing that attracted me to Rick, other than his 6’3’’ athletic frame and curly light brown hair, was his sense of humor. He is just plain funny. There have been many times through the years; he has made me laugh so hard that I cried. He has an ease and wit about him that is so natural, so fun, that I was drawn to him.
His Sense of Integrity
Even when we were not attending church, Rick has always had a strong sense of right and wrong. He is honest, and frankly that has sometimes been a detrimental to his business career. He is generous and fair to a fault. I know he learned his sense of integrity by watching his father who is an honest and hardworking individual with a heart of gold.
In the summer of 1996, my father died after being diagnosed with undetected prostate cancer which had spread into his bones. Although, Rick and I had been dating for only a short while, he traveled twice with me to California that summer as we witnessed the quick decline and death of my father. Rick stood by me the entire time, and was there for me unlike any other friend, male or female. It was through that experience, that I knew he was my soul mate and someone I could trust with the rest of my life.
His Love of Simplicity
Rick has a wonderful sanguine personality. He is always encouraging me to slow down, to relax, and to enjoy life. He is a wonderful example of how to live life to the fullest. I love just sitting around our fire pit with a beer and talking to him, about our children, about our faith, about anything…
AWWWW!!! happy 13th
Posted by: kyooty | 04/27/2011 at 05:04 PM
So sweet! Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Bridget | 04/27/2011 at 07:07 PM
Happy 13th. We like Rick a LOT!
Posted by: Bozena | 04/27/2011 at 07:53 PM
Happy Anniversary! I remember your ceremony like it was yesterday. So pretty! Rick really is a great guy. Love you both!
Posted by: Pam | 04/28/2011 at 11:16 AM
Happy Anniversary! Beautiful story, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tracie | 04/28/2011 at 11:44 AM
Mary,
Happy Happy day!!!!
You guys are two peas in a pod.
Thanks for sharing your story.
So what were we thinking???? kids at 40? ha ha
Life is good!!!!
Love ya,
Tricia
It's our 20 year anniversary today (Vegas baby) shhhhhh
Posted by: tricia | 04/28/2011 at 12:40 PM
Wow have I really been following your blog a year? I remember last year (at least I think I do). Congratulations~ marriage is hard work but very precious too. Wait till you are at 37 like we are, then you will head into the golden years hand in hand and still in love. take care, have a wonderful time celebrating.
Posted by: Sharon O | 04/28/2011 at 02:49 PM
You guys are a match made in Heaven! I am so glad you found each other. I love you both! Happy Anniversary!!
Posted by: Stephanie | 04/29/2011 at 02:13 AM
You two make a FANASTIC couple!
Posted by: Carmen | 05/03/2011 at 11:39 AM