Monday, September 24, 2012

IT'S MY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, BUT HOW CAN A PERSON CELEBRATE SUCH AN OCCASION ALONE?

     Twenty-two years ago today, September 24, 1990, I married John Widder.  The marriage lasted until John's death in 2010.  I never, ever regretted the marriage--not for even one day.
     John was a very romantic person.  We were married on a Monday.  So EVERY Monday, and the 24th of EVERY month, John would wish me a Happy Anniversary.  If the 24th fell on a Monday, he would say "Happy Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!"  and if he was still alive today, on our actual anniversary, and realized that it was not only September 24th, but a Monday as well, he would say "Happy Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!"  Actually, he and I would race each other to be the first to say it, right after midnight.
     Even when he was dying, it seemed that he took care not to die on either a Monday or the 24th of a month.  He died on a Tuesday, the 23rd--just missing both of those special days by a day in each direction.  I really believe that, although he was so ill, he knew the date and the day of the week.  Perhaps our little custom sounds silly or childish, but being silly together was one of the great joys that we shared in our lovely marriage.
     Is it appropriate to still celebrate even though he's gone?  Well, appropriate or not, I still say "Happy Anniversary, Binky" every Monday, and on the 24th of every month.  Who cares if it's appropriate?  Who cares if it's silly?  Silly is what we did best!  So, Happy Anniversary, Binky!

2 comments:

  1. If I were you I would celebrate and rejoice thinking of those experiences and the wonderful time that God allowed the both of you to shared

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  2. Thank you, Abner, for your wise and kind words. And, of course, you are correct.

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