40 Years Together.. It Can Be Done

Forty years ago today at about 3:00 PM local time I married my best friend. A lot has happened over the 40 years. We moved 3000 km. within a month of our marriage to start a life in Saskatchewan. We lived in Saskatoon for two years doing postgraduate work in political science. We met several friends one of whom is still a close friend who will be joining us in our celebration today.

In late 1971 we moved to Regina to begin a provincial government career which lasted nearly 30 years. We lived in apartments first but then bought our first home in 1975. We tended to move (some might say way too much) frequently during our Regina tenure. But all of them we could justify for our own reasons.

We started a family in the early 1980's and had all the normal (and some might say too many) challeges as parents. Both our girls gave us lots of pleasures and lots of headaches. On balance though parenthood is good. Our older daughter had a tough life which tragically ended all too soon at a young age. Our younger daughter who has also had difficult issues to deal with has become an aspiring mature young woman who is extremely confident in her dealings with work, family, and friends.

We are now the grandparents of 3 boys and just found out yesterday we have another grandson on the way.

My best friend and I are believers in helping others in our community. My best friend was an active guide leader in the 1980's. I was active in many non-government organizations in the 1970's; 1980's; and 1990's. Several of the people I met during those days have remained friends or have been 'rediscovered' through the wonders of facebook ((:-)).

40 years is a time to look both backwards and forwards. We are both happy at this stage of life's journey.

How did we get through 40 years? 'Acceptance' is the key. One always has to acknowledge the 'wants' of the other. One accepts that one does NOT always get one's way. One 'defers' in many many cases to the wishes of the other. Acceptance is a mutual two way 'street'. This is how it's done everyone!