How do people ever stay married for 40 years? Leslie and I were just talking about what a challenge it is to live with a person so different from you. It is not easy. There are so many things I have learned over the last 40 years, probably more about myself than anyone else. Things are so wonderful the day you get married. There is sort of a magical feel to it all. It doesn't really last, but that is not a bad thing. You have to get used to real life. So, over time I have learned that we are very different. David is very detail oriented. I am not. I have improved a little in that area, though. This is a gift, and almost all of our children have a beautiful hand crafted crib thanks to his attention to detail. He will do things over as many times as it takes to get it right. I can't always do that. Sometimes I just want a project to be done. I am fast, David is not. There are good things about both. I found out after about 10 years of marriage that he doesn't like Miracle Whip. I gave it up for him. He hates cucumbers and I hate olives. He loves blue cheese dressing. Uggg. He eats anything, and I mean anything I make, and never complains, and usually complements me. He has never limited me or quizzed me about the money I spend. What a gift. I am pretty responsible in that area, but maybe that is because he has given me so much freedom. He loves his children and grandchildren, fiercely--me too. He was not always the King of Dads. He was a really good Dad, but he has become the King of Dads. David says our children always call me on the phone and never talk to him, but there are some things only he can answer and advise them on. There are a lot of things we completely agree on. The temple, our faith, Hawaii, Mama Inez, Sr. Iguanas, travel, X-files, going to the movies, great children, popcorn at the movies with carmel popcorn mixed in, being with our kids, going to the cabin, Alias, Raising Arizona, working together, and often thinking the same thing.
So what is the point of all this? We have made it work, and it has gotten better and better. Was it a marriage made in heaven at the beginning? I don't know, but I think it is now. He is what I am not. I am what he is not. We have blended our likes and dislikes, and most of the time, our home really is a heaven on earth. Thank you David, for 40 wonderful years. I love you., and the six beautiful children, and 15 1/5 even more beautiful grandchildren that have become our forever family. I have a pretty good idea where we will be 40 years from now. Thanks for that too. I am a lucky girl. I love you.
Debby
