Twenty-one years ago, the weather in Oxford, Mississippi—where I was married—was like it is this early morning in Nashville, Tennessee—the city I call home. Clear sky and slight breeze. Not as hot as one might fear for a June wedding in the Deep South. Back then I was preparing to walk down the aisle, a forty-something goober who had convinced herself she would never know what it meant to be loved for the long haul by a man. Today I am looking forward to dinner and a movie.
We first met when I was in college, and he was just out of law school. Reconnecting some twenty years later at my father’s funeral, we married the next year in the same church in which my parents had tied the knot in 1948.
I’m always curious why people, when writing or talking about their marriages, feel the need to say, “It hasn’t always been perfect,” or “We’ve had our ups and downs.” Because, well, life. If you were to tell me you’ve never had one upset or a single challenge in your time as a couple, I wouldn’t believe—or trust—you.
My husband and I do not have glamorous plans for this anniversary. We will not board a plane to Paris or exchange expensive gifts. He will send me roses. Tonight, we will see a movie and have dinner at a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try. It is enough. And we are grateful.
"It's the sharing of our stories that saves us." 
This is lovely. Congratulations 🎊.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Lovely, very lovely. I miss our group time. Take care and know I hold you in my heart and in my prayers.
Thank you, spirit sister. I miss our group time as well.
A wonderful story! The picture of you and your expression says it all!
“Look what I’ve got!” Or something like that
Happy anniversary!
❤️
I think it was saying “Finally!” or some such. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Hope all is well with you.
Lovely words for a lovely couple. Happy anniversary!
Thank you, kind sir!
And I was overjoyed to be there!!
Hope springs eternal…
What a glorious day that was, dear heart. I was honored to be there then, and am humbled to still be on this ride with the both of you.
May the dinner be delicious, and the movie Devine.
Here’s to the next twenty one years.
Love you both madly.
Couldn’t–and wouldn’t–have done it without you precious friend. Always.
Congratulations! Have a great time. Lovely writing.
Thank you on all fronts!