36: A Nice Number

Today was the 36th anniversary of our wedding day - August 23, 1969. We were both so excited to celebrate the anniversary of our wedding for the 36th time. Two days ago I asked Marilyn what she wanted for her anniversary to which she responded, "Oh," and, after an extended silence, she said "What do you want for yours?" Then, there was another extended silence followed by no answer from me. Then the thought occurred to me, why should we feel obliged to want something? We have all we want and when we want something we don't have we go get it. So, what's up with having to want something because it's our anniversary? Anyway, we made an unspoken agreement to skip the presents this year. Last year we went to New York City for the first time.

Today our plan was for me to go to work. Marilyn was to attend Ladies Class and then go to Rapha (the relief ministry where she volunteers). We were both thinking in terms of going out to dinner, but we couldn't decide where. We were kinda having this running discussion of where, but with no decision. We went to a movie last week, so that wasn't part of tonight's plan. I decided to not be a complete klutz. At lunch, today, I bought a flower arrangement and took it to Rapha. The folks at Rapha were surprised to see me and they had bought an ice cream pie for Marilyn's anniversary.

This evening we searched the web for an eating place. We looked at steak houses, seafood places, fancy places, near places, Indian food places. Finally, out of sheer frustration we decided on this little Thai food place we'd never been to before. It turned out to be super food at a reasonable price. See, our research and pre-planning paid off big time. We came home for coffee afterwards. We also hired a professional photographer to come by and take our picture. Looks good doesn't it.

We have this little game we play. I start talking about where we were on previous anniversaries. Earlier in our marriage, I'd try to get us to remember what we did to celebrate. Marilyn has never been all that excited about this game. I don't know why. After our life's pattern began to develop we realized that we would be doing well if we could remember what country we were in for each anniversary. Now it seems like we celebrate the fives-and-zeroes and just acknowledge the ones in between. Thus, New York City last year -35th - and strip center Thai food this year - 36th. Oh well, she's still the love of my life and assures me I am of her's as well. We've traveled many roads together. Lived in many houses. Visited many countries. Flown countless airways. Been blessed with great kids and now grandkids. We've always loved what we were doing. God has blessed us far better than we deserved. 36 is a good number. It actually is my favorite number. I'm happy we've reached this mile stone.