29 years ago we got married....the following are our letters to the "world" on what this 29 years and marriage have meant:
Linda's Story:
Today is our 29th anniversary! I am grateful that I am still here to celebrate with my wonderful husband and plan on still being here for the big 30.
I was remembering earlier back to our wedding day when Dave took the big step to marry this widow with four young children and add him to his family of two. To think we made that Brady Bunch of six kids work. We definitely had our share of problems raising them up and getting them through college, but they are a testament to our love and strength. The children get a lot of credit, too, for not being a bunch of rebellious teenagers!
I know how fortunate I was to find David and pick him as my soulmate, because he has certainly been that. No matter what life throws at us, we find our way through the hurdles and come out stronger that before. Every day I count my blessings in having such a terrific husband and family. I still feel like his bride and know how fortunate I am to have him by my side through this journey.
I love him so!
Dave's Story:
29 Years With My “Bride” AKA Mrs. Linda Wood
First the facts…….by my interpretation….
I first met Linda during a presentation for Senator Cliff Trow….in which I was between two meetings and stopped to make a “show” and then be gone….yes it is true..as I was introduced I said “Hmmmmmmmm”
Yes it is true we were spotted together in Nendels bar two weeks later and yes she played “footsie” with me during the local teacher leader picnic soon thereafter.
Yes it is true I lied and said I was out of gas and needed a ride home when I ran into her in a Salem nightclub weeks later..Yes it is true Mary..Linda’s friend said “don’t trust him”..and Yes..she was right….and No..I didn’t get a ride.
Yes it is true 6 weeks later Linda asked me “what were my plans”….a strong suggestion I get on the ball and get engaged…and Yes..I did….
No..it is not true she hid her 4 kids until after we were married and then told me…but it made a good story…
Yes it is true we made it clear to the kids that every Friday night was ours and every three months we were going off together (sans kids)…and they had better not mess this up…and they didn’t (for the most part)…
Yes we have argued a few times…some times more than others…but we have learned to listen to each other, to respect each other and each be committed 100% to the relationship..it’s not a 50/50 deal.
Yes we have learned to be current with each other and not have withholds.
Yes we have had and do have an incredible relationship…(I knew immediately this was a special person)……see above…
The rest of the story…again my interpretation…
Linda is an incredible lady…I am lucky beyond anything I could imagine….she is powerful,truthful, current, honest, vulnerable, trusting, brave, strong and more.
Linda is “one in a million”…..a lucky guy I am…I am fearful and reluctant to say “deserving”.
We have been through a lot together…many highs and many lows….the loss of a son….two failed business attempts…an incredible open wheel racing career people would “kill” to do….30 plus cruises….5 trips to Tahiti…two motorhomes….and on and on.
We have had an incredible life together…and it continues.
Linda has stage 4 lung cancer..never smoked..never around second hand smoke…not curable…perhaps controllable. And yet we are living a prosperous life...rich in living “current”…not worrying about the future….not letting our sadness destroy what time we have…it is what it is….
We take pride in our work together in the Wings seminars…specifically the couples seminars …we look forward to modeling and being our respect and love for each other…and yet show our “moles” and “birthmarks”.
Have I ever faltered in my love for Mrs. Wood..nope….I’m too lucky a guy…
The end of the story….again my interpretation….
I love you Mrs. Wood…..
I look forward to our 30th anniversary
Ps…Yes it is true we have threatened our kids if they don’t throw one hell of a party to celebrate their parents life together…no expense is to be spared…
Finally......
Grateful Prayer
Let us be grateful
for the capacity to see, feel, hear, and understand.
Let us be grateful for this incredible gift of life.
Let us be especially grateful
for the ties of love which bind us together,
giving dignity, meaning, worth and joy to all our days.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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16 comments:
Thank you for sharing your letters with all of us. You are both simply amazing, and you make such an incredible couple.
CONGRATULATIONS on your 29 years and many more!
Love,
Jim and Swee
Congratulations on your 29th. If he was at the computyer right now, John would be telling his joke about marriage:
"Marriage is like a three ring circus.
First comes the ENGAGEMENT RING.
Then comes the WEDDING RING.
Next comes the SUFFER RING."
John loves to tell that to Honeymooners.
Since the two of you still act like Honeymooners, I thought I would pass that on.
Marilyn
Ah Ha! I knew it Dave! YOU LIED to us when you said you were out of gas! About time you fessed up.
I was honored to stand with Linda as you two married in her parent's home 29 years ago, so full of hope and optimism and love. And I'm proud to be your friend. Sign me up for the 30th anniversary bash: anytime, anywhere, I'll be there!
Love you,
Mary
I just realized that your anniversary is on the same day as Jimmy Vasser's birthday! :) How cool is that?!! :)
Swee
I love you two so much. I should be massively fortunate to ever experience a relationship like you share: loving, powerful and joyful. You are inspiring. My best wishes to you for your anniversary and always. Thanks for letting us all share in your love.
Matt and I said after we first met you that you were the coolest couple around, in fact we said you two were what we hoped to be the (ever so slightly) older version of us! I didn't know we shared the same wedding day too! We would be ever so fortunate if we can look back on as many years of love and friendship together like the two of you have. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to two people we aspire to be like when we "grow up".
Here's to many more anniversaries. Each one is a party day. I very recently lost my husband of 48 years, and was a bit surprised to myself for feeling disappointed that we hadn't reached 50!! So to all the other friends and race fans, and especially you two "honeymooners" - rejoice and celebrate each anniversary as it comes.
Margaret
Congratulations, for the years God has blessed you with. May there be many years ahead to celebrate.
Love, Janet
OK I went through a box of tissues!
I have always been so inspired by the two of you, your love, your testimony of your love, your courage and your faith. I believe the two of you are here to teach us as I have learned so much from you.....
Happy 29th, and of course there will be a HUGE party for your 30th.... I love planning parties so I will get on it:)...
I love you both and thank you for sharing your stories with all of us. You are both a true testimony of the way we all should see and LIVE LIFE to the fullest...
Love you, Julie
I loved your stories - I hadn't even heard all of the details I read here! : )
I hope you had a wonderful anniversary and weekend! I'm sorry I missed your call - I have been trying not to give in to a virus but it had me in bed this weekend. Hopefully it won't spoil Thanksgiving plans as folks may not want to be around a sickee. Have a great Thanksgiving in Florida!
I love that you have had 29 years together and pushing 30! Chris and I can only hope to have the same. Marriage is a lot of hard work at times but wonderful to be with your best friend and soul mate. I heard this song by Lee Ann Womack on Friday and was thinking of you as you inspire me all the time with your faithful committment to live life actively and fully no matter what:
I Hope You Dance
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
Love you,
Wendy
Congratulations on 29 great years. The years sure do go by fast. You make a great couple and have done great with your family.
Many more years together.
Al & Barb
Knowing you have gone on many cruises what was the best one to Alaska? We are looking at going to Alaska in August 2010. Would like your input on what to look for.
Al & Barb
Wow... that is just beautiful you guys. Thanks for sharing. :)
Janine
Sorry to be late to the comments but I just returned (appropriately apparently) from a trip to Tahiti.
I'm thrilled for you two. TravelGuy and I are so looking forward to our anniversary in January and it's only number 25. CONGRATS on reaching 29! Your letters were so beautiful. The best blessing in the world is to know how truly blessed you are.
We're all looking forward to hearing about the big 30 bash.
Marjorie
I've always told my friends that I'm holding out for a marriage like my own parents. I remember that day 29 years ago. I remember getting ready in Grandma/Grandpa's bedroom and losing the wedding ring off of a pillow-thing. We found it though, as I'm sure you remember. It was no small feat in giant shag carpet either!
Over the years, you've modeled love, kindness, compassion, and independence more than any other couple I know on this earth and I'm thankful every day that I came to be part of THIS family. If only the world could love each other as you do, the things that we could do...
love, Janine
I sat down to toast my parents a couple of days ago, and decided to wait until today (thanksgiving) because I wanted to give thanks to the two people who have not only inspired each other for 29 plus years, but inspired me more than anyone else I can imagine. Any couple who is married like Jenn and I only two years to someone married 50 years can look to Dave and Linda as a loving example of how it is done right. I love you guys and can't thank you enough for all that you've given to me that has made me the man that I am and can hopefully inspire someone else someday. I love you and yes you will get a big shindig next year lets hope you're living in Portland by then. Your son Jim
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