Reflecting On This Day, Thirty Three Years Ago

[DocWard]

I usually take the time on this day to talk about events that occurred thirty-three years ago now. The humor, the anxiety, the stress and even the bizarre happenings of the night before, the day itself and the days and weeks that followed. Today, though, I want to take a moment and reflect on exactly how momentous that day was in my life. It literally changed my life in numerous ways.

 

First and foremost, through all of the chaos of the day, I was fortunate enough to marry the love of my life, and she has stayed with me all these years. Yes, still for reasons I am unable to explain other than I am simply incredibly lucky or she is incredibly crazy, or both. I am confident I couldn’t have done what I have done without her beside me, or sometimes in front of me pulling, other times behind me pushing me forward.

 

I also began to grow up, and grow into the one thing in life I have been most proud of being, other than a husband and father. A soldier. My activation for Desert Shield / Storm on that day was a sobering experience in so many ways. Saying “until death do us part” hit very close to home. Yet I had gone into it with eyes open, and I continued to do so. I continued on, re-enlisting into the National Guard, becoming a combat medic and an NCO. Hopefully those I served with, upon reflecting, still believe I did both jobs well. I know I gave both my best.

 

Finally I was accepted into a family, and became a part of a clan. Not as an in-law. As a son and as a brother. I could not have been closer to my father and mother-in-law if I had been born into the family. I miss them both painfully every day. My brother and sister-in-law, for better or for worse, have always treated me as a brother and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

 

So, upon reflection, I cannot think of any single day in all of my life that has been filled with more humor, more stress, more weirdness, more love, or one that was more pivotal in my life than November 17, 1990. My wedding day. The picture says it all.

 

 

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

Wonderful things happen when you have the right life partner.

Happy anniversary.

May you continue for many years.

[Eyesa Horg]

Congrats DocWard, May you and the Missus enjoy many more. We're at 46 now!!

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Yep, she's crazy!  I used to see that same look on my wife's face...and never understood why.  We were together 51 years before she passed.  Would have been 57 last July.

 

I always said I was smarter than she was.  After all, look who I married and look who she married.

 

Congratulations my friend.  Give her a hug.

[Red Gauntlet , SASS 60619]

It makes all the difference. That 'yes' I said as a 19-year-old 56 1/2 years ago led to every good thing that has happened in my life.

[Father Kit Cool Gun Garth]

[Pat Riot]

Congratulations Doc and Mrs Doc. 

 

I am curious, how many awards has she deservedly won for putting up with you, Doc?

[DocWard]

35 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

Congratulations Doc and Mrs Doc. 

 

I am curious, how many awards has she deservedly won for putting up with you, Doc?

 

Not enough.

 

[Sedalia Dave]

Congratulation to the both of you.

 

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

Congratulations 

[Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme]

Congrats Doc.

 

I feel the same way about my wife and wedding day. I'm full of gratitude for both.

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

A proper wedded union is stronger and more capable than simply the sum of its parts.

My gut tell me yours is.

Well done!

[Michigan Slim]

YOUR ONE OF THOSE FREAK COUPLES THAT GET MARRIED IN DEER SEASON!

Just kidding. Kinda. Sorta. OK, maybe not.

 

Happy anniversary to you two!

[J-BAR #18287]

Well done, Sir, (and Ma'am), and congratulations.

 

Good things happen when one is courageous enough to make a commitment.