August 14 Marriage Anniversary--45 Years--1964 to 2009

THEN Forty-five years ago we were young and carefree, looking forward to many happy years of growing old together.
NOW Forty-five years down and an eternity to go. What lessons have I learned during these years? A few quickly come to mind.

• If there is a choice between being married and single, marriage gets my vote.
• Some of the ideas you shared early in marriage about raising children just don't work out in the real world. We were going to have perfect little children--what happened? You know the kind who sit quietly and never make a peep in church. Who always do their chores the first time they are asked with cheerful, happy faces. Who never make a mess. Who never would make a fuss in a store because they were told "no" to an item they wanted. No, our children weren't perfect but they loved us and their siblings and we have build wonderful memories together.
• It is important to have goals, expectations and consequences for your family. Children do usually rise to the occasion.
• Patience is not only a virtue; it is a necessity in a marriage.
• There are worse addictions than BYU sports.
• Be grateful for a snoring husband; he is there beside you.
• The twilight years are good because the light is dim, and eyesight is not as sharp so the wrinkles are not as noticeable.
• When you look in a mirror, you wonder who that old person is. You still feel young inside.
• White hair is dignified-looking.
• Age spots are just large freckles and freckles are cute.
• It is okay to leave the bed unmade some days though that still is one of my pet peeves.
• Making a house into a home is a mother's privilege as well as a responsibility. What a joy it is!
• Grandchildren are one of the great rewards for having children.
• My greatest joys and heartaches have come from being a wife and a mother. The bitter with the sweet--how blessed I've been to have more joy by far.
• Working together on a project is more fun than doing it by yourself. Even woodwork classes!
• An empty nest can be filled with activities, projects, family history research, missions, quiet reading together, walks, exercise and trips that you never had time for while raising a family.
• Count each day you have each other as a blessing; not every couple is blessed to share 45 years together on this earth.
• The blessings of the temple add peace, joy and hope for an eternity as a couple and family.
• Last but not least, I have learned and appreciated over the years, just how much Fred loves me. He is patient with my imperfections, loving me despite them. He has always encouraged me to grow, to learn, to become all that I can be. He expresses appreciation for me and those things I do for him. He is truly my companion, helpmeet, best friend, and husband in every sense of the word. I love you, Fred, forever and always.