Hitchhiker’s bLOG – 2020.05.02

Still crazy after all these years!

Twenty and Eight years ago today (bLOG date 1992.05.02), I married a girl I had known sixteen months. Some thought it was too quick, and that we were crazy. A handful doubted it would last.

The night before the wedding, it rained cats and dogs. Nobody was sure what the next day would look like, but we didn’t care. The following day, as if right on cue, the clouds parted and a beautiful spring day appeared.

The ceremony was in a little historic chapel that held about 100 people. It lasted for about fifteen minutes. We then walked the grounds of the property, had pictures taken in the bright morning sunshine, and then brunch at the building known as the Red House.

There was no cocktail hour, open bar, extravagant meal, band, or dancing. There was a fruit juice bar, a champagne fountain, breakfast casseroles, meats, and fruit bread. The music CDs, supplied by the bride and groom, was an assortment of dulcimer, harpsichord, or string quartet. The only thing traditional was the cake cutting.

What mattered most was that we were married!

The next morning, we went to Disney World. Who would have thought this would be the perfect metaphor for how we have lived our life together so far! We have moved from land to land, adventure to adventure, and park to park, never ceasing to be thrilled!

It started with an apartment at the beach and led us to our first house in Connecticut. From Amish country to the Field of Dreams in Iowa. We’ve played it in Peoria, hung out in the Burgh, and found our own exit on the New Jersey Turnpike!

One of the most thrilling adventures is our kids!

That 8-week 4 1/2 pound premie has lit up rooms with his smile from the moment that he could smile! He sang at Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood Music Festival, and Atlantic City. He has been Edmund in Narnia, one of Jacob’s sons, managed Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, returned to Narnia as Father Christmas, and grieved the death of Tiny Tim. He has demonstrated incredible character, a responsible nature, and an admirable work ethic while waiting for that career break. Now he takes all of the tools and makes his way in the world!

That little girl, who gave us such a scare before she was ever born, refused to sleep through the night, making me think I was a subject of a sleep deprivation experiment. Whether it was torturing her older brother or making her friends sign contracts, she revealed an intellect far superior to our own. When we came to New Jersey, she exploded in personality, talent, and faith. She has danced with orphans and street urchins, marched and played flute at Met Life, and danced with Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Super Bowl. This kid conquers every obstacle in her way, and yet she is so grounded and loving. She carried this total package to Providence, and now to medical school in Boston!

Through the grace of God, and despite our best effort to screw them up, our kids have turned out alright. And they are our greatest accomplishment; and we did this together!

We have fostered four kids and welcomed three kids from foreign lands into our wabi-sabi home.

You have performed on big stages and the little ones. You were a resident of River city, and Helen Keller’s Mother. You were one of the Children of Eden and Pontius Pilate’s servant girl. You created costumes for Halloween, theater, and the DAR. You have reached a level in your abilities that people call you “Artist.”

Your latest adventure is to tackle the challenge of going back to school for your masters, and you have conquered the first year. I could not be prouder.

You have been at my side for twenty-eight years; from a little wedding chapel in Moodus, CT to a sanctuary in Sparta, NJ. Our life is like a trip to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and MGM Studios. What is our next adventure?

I know that God gave you to me, and I could do none of it without Him and you!

I am your husband, and proud of it! Because we are still crazy after all these years.

Happy Anniversay my Love!