25 Years And Going Strong . . .

This coming Wednesday will mark twenty-five years since I said "I do" to my wife, Wendy Michelle Bies Hannum. First, I have to tell you that the success in our marriage is much more because of her, than me. I always planned to be married to only one woman. And I still plan that (barring some catastrophic event). I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams because of her. It is so easy to sit back, take a look at all of the material things I/we don't have, and become discontent. But when I take an honest look at the many folks around us, who have more in the way of material things, but disrupted family lives, I do not feel so bad any more. Because it's not the physical things that really matter. It's not at all like the old adage, "whoever dies with the most, wins!" It is, however, the fact that if you love someone, and that someone loves you, the other things just don't seem to matter so much. Whether you struggle with finances, health issues or whatever, taking it on stride for stride, hand in hand with the one you love, the one who has been there through the thick and the thin, truly "for better or worse", is priceless. I remember the day I proposed to her, just like it was yesterday. I will go to my grave remembering that day. When I was a kid, I remember praying for three things, every night for years. I prayed that I would find a good wife, have a good family, and be the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Well, two out of three ain't bad, and considering the record of the Browns over the past few years, I probably am much better of. Besides, if I'd have been QB for Cleveland, I'd probably never have met Wendy, I would probably not have my three beautiful children and I'd probably not be writhing this now. Considering everything, I'm OK with where I am. Life has brought many challenges. For various reasons, things have been challenging the past few years, but exciting things and options have been presenting themselves lately, so we are looking forward to what lies ahead. We just keep praying, and hand in hand living for the Lord and hand in hand taking on the challenges. I used to tease Wendy and tell her how lucky she was to have me, because I was the "perfect man for every woman". Well, the truth is, I am the luck one, because I truly have the perfect woman for me. She has to be the only woman on earth who could have endured twenty five years with me, and tell me she's looking forward to the next twenty five. Wendy, I love you, and I appreciate you and I, too, am looking forward to the next twenty five years. Happy Anniversary.