Our 30th anniversary

 

Mireille


30 years ago, you and I began something together that we had no idea where it would lead. I supose nobody ever does. However, one thing was special for us that day ..Amongst the uncertain hopes for a foggy future we may have had then, we made a commitment that whatever should develope in this future that was before us, we pledged to do it together-- with each other. And we have … for 30 years!

We were well aware that some around us had doubts as to where this commitment would lead … and we will have to admit that pessimism wasn’t completely unfounded. Mireille you were 21 years old .. there was 22 years between us, my immigrant background was hardly a plus … a 6 year old daughter in the picture … as well as a strange religious involvement etc -- What were the chances?

Now 30 years later … I can’t think of a more wonderful and amazing journey than this one has been -- as we have shared it together Mireille… not only the journey itself with its hills, and valleys – good weather and bad etc. It has been a journey that we have tried our best to navigate together, As well, life has given us some wonderful real-life products of this journey together – Wonderful treasures created through our lives together that today are more valueable to both of us than life itself. I hope that you all here will know what I’m refering to … and it’s not this house!

Think, if we had known 30 years ago where that begining would lead … Looking back I think we can remember it as not without its pain, uncertainty and frustration ---- but without a doubt our today is well beyond the finest dreams we may have had at that time.

Ok, I know that 30 years is not the destination .. For me I would like to make the same pledge that I did 30 years ago … to let life lead our lives where ever it will, but to do it together with you Mireille. Some life factors are considerably more stable for us now than then … some other factors still place question marks on what turns in the road may be ahead – but we will deal with them as they come …. And most of all, we will deal with them together!


Just one other thing I want to share with my children. I was given a beautiful heritage in the very last minutes that I spent with my dad 12 years ago .. I can still close my eyes and hear the smack as he kissed my mother good night … and even today with my eyes closed I can see her fingers as she squeezed his thumb as we left. The finest thing I would like to leave with my children is this same assurance that I loved their mother. Not that I worshiped her .. not that I agreed with her always … but that I loved her.

We both love each of you .. not collectively but individually … and our love is not as 1 love,  it is as 2 …. It is individually to each of you from each of us, each in our own way,


 

 

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