This post is for my grandson. He's always asking about how grandpa and I have stayed in love/married for 51 years. First of all, it is a gift from God. His other grandparents didn't make it like we did for a variety of reasons. I think he studies us, because he wants it for him and Shaye.

MARRIAGE

When we got married in 1974 - this was our song. I am sure most of you remember it. That is what we were feeling at the time. We engraved it on our rings. Truly we were just beginning. All sorts of dreams and plans rumbling in our heads.

Truth be told we didn't know much of anything - we had only just begun.

Click the song title below if you want to hear the song.

We’ve Only Just Begun / (They Long to Be) Close to You

We've Only Just Begun - by the Carpenters.

We've only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
(We've only begun)

Before the risin' sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We start out walkin' and learn to run
(And yes, we've just begun)

Sharin' horizons that are new to us
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together

And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
(And yes, we've just begun)

Sharin' horizons that are new to us
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together
Together

And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes, we've just begun

Songwriters: Paul H. Williams, Roger S. Nichols. For non-commercial use only.

51 YEARS OF MARRIAGE LATER (LOL)

(IT WILL BE 52 IN MAY 2026)

During the 51 years of marriage - we had an array of issues, and we did struggle at times. It wasn't always easy, but it was good.

LIFE HAPPENS AND YOU GROW AND LEARN

We were happy, we had great children, grandchildren, now a great grandchild - had a great church with friends, we traveled, laughed a lot, built a wonderful home, we had lots of good times. I think too, being grateful for what we had was a big part. We were never rich, but we had ENOUGH.

Of course, we experienced the loss of family and friends. The loss of jobs. Moving and giving up the house. The kids moving away. Differences of opinions - lol. The worst was when I almost lost him four years ago with series heart issues. I actually called up a funeral home to make plans.

We have been through so much together. We have HISTORY and this became the story of our life...

I GUESS MY ADVICE FOR HIM WOULD BE TO:

KEEP GOD FIRST

TIE A KNOT AND HANG ON FOR THE UP AND DOWN RIDES

LIFE CYCLES - IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHERE YOU ARE AT RIGHT NOW - IT WILL CHANGE

BE GRATEFUL

THIS IS OUR SONG NOW:

Click on the song title to hear the song.