30 Years Ago

Patrick and I were married June 26, 1983, in Reno 30 years ago. We married young (16,19), with a baby on the way, not the best recipe for a successful marriage. If you're reading this and have children, you probably just gasped. Nope, I wouldn't have wanted either of my girls to marry that young and yes, it did occur to me when they were 16, wow I had a family at their age.  

Anyway, somehow or other we've made it work through the years with the good and the not so good  times.  I've been asked on occasion what makes our marriage last, to which, I reply, quite a bit of luck and dedication. 

With "normal" marriages my perspective is that the first few years are the honeymoon years. You don't get irritated by the toothpaste lid being left off and always remember important anniversaries. Our first years weren't like this, instead we were young, struggling and new parents. In our first year, we had a child, moved from Susanville to Sacramento, and worked to finish high school (me) and start CSUS (Patrick). Patrick refers to these years as the "dark years." How it lasted is still a mystery to me, but I think even then we always liked each others company and found the same things funny. 

I wish I could say that everything is 100% wonderful all the time, but that would be a lie. I'd also like to say that we've never fought, disagreed or had issues with one another, but we're as human as the next couple. The truth is there are hard times, crappy times and moments when we haven't really acted our best. However, I will say that through them all I've always felt a strong sense of attachment and being together just felt right. Whatever the reason, I will never regret the decision to marry my first love and my best friend.

Over the years we've had many great moments and good times, traveling, moving, celebrating, and in general goofing around. We have two great kids, three grandkids and some wonderful memories with more to be had. To my husband and friend - Happy 30th Anniversary!

Taken from "You're My Best Friend" by Queen:

You're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh you're my best friend