Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.
I always think about how I almost missed out on Jim when we first met. We worked for the same company and he was the company Loss Prevention District Manager. He was responsible to see that everything related to company losses, including employees’ actions were investigated and properly corrected. We worked for one of the Big Box Home Improvement Chains. Because of his position, he wasn’t supposed to socialize with any of the employees. He took that position seriously, so he walked by my desk every day and never smiled or said hello. I was a buyer, so part of his duties was to make sure I never took any bribes or accepted any favors from any of our suppliers. If I ever messed up, he would be the person to fire me.
I always thought he was a really uptight and unfriendly person. One day in the break room, I remarked to a coworker that I thought if he smiled his face would crack. She laughed and assured me he was the nicest person I would ever meet. I found that really hard to believe.
A while later I was asked to take over managing one of the stores for three months while the manager recovered from an accident and surgery. Since I had been a manager before, I was happy to step in and help. Jim visited my store a couple of times the first week, just walking the floor and through the warehouse. He didn’t speak, just walked around. I just thought that was his normal unfriendly personality. Then he came by one night after closing just as the cleaning crew was coming in. He got some coffee in the breakroom and started reading a book. Still not talking. I checked on the cleaning crew a couple of times then I went in to get some coffee. I sat down and decided I needed to try to talk to this guy. Amazingly he was “human”. Very polite and well-spoken. A few days later as I was closing the store, he showed up again. This time he asked me if I would like to have coffee across the street at Denny’s. I said yes thinking maybe I had done something wrong and he was going to confront me. The whole coffee outing he was just charming and pleasant, I hadn’t done anything. (Of course, I knew I hadn’t but he made me nervous, so I wasn’t sure why he wanted to have coffee.) A few days later he showed up and again asked me for coffee after closing. We sat in Denny’s for two hours just laughing and talking, I thought he was such a fun guy. Those late-night coffee dates became more frequent and pretty soon I thought he was the guy for me.
Six Months after the first coffee date we were married. My friend was right, he was the nicest person I would ever meet. So glad I decided to sit down and talk to him.
June 9, 1984 we said our “I do’s”.
We had a simple backyard reception. Such a fun day and I loved this guy so much.
I made my wedding dress and Jim helped. He cut out all those pretty lace flowers that I sewed all over the bottom of my dress. That is called real love because that was such tedious work.
The night before our wedding, I was so nervous I could hardly breathe. I asked him if he would get me a glass of wine. He brought me the bottle with a straw. Like always, he made me laugh and made the world seem perfect. Ever since that day if I am stressed he teases me and asks if I need a bottle of wine with a straw.
(Our 20th Anniversary) Spending time together at home was something we both loved. We always had fun just being together.
Even if Jim is celebrating from Heaven this year, I am still married to him. He went to his heavenly home on August 13, 2020. I love that man more than anything in this world. He was the most amazing person and made every day so happy and special for me. Every day he made me laugh, and made sure I knew he loved me. He always put me and family first and gave the best hugs. I was blessed to have 36 years with him, those truly were happy years.
The last picture I took of him at my daughter’s house.
I miss him with every breath I take, but I am counting my Blessings. He was a gift from God and I know I will see him again one day. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart – I love you with all my heart.
Such a precious love story! Thinking of and praying for you on your special day!
I always tell my granddaughters to find someone who makes you laugh not makes you cry because it will never stop believe me I know from my 1st marriage, It took me a while to find the man who makes me laugh every day but I found him and I’ll never let him go! Yes, a gift from God! What a wonderful marriage you were blessed. with!
My heart aches for you. Your love was one of those one of a kind, special kinds that everyone dreams of. I hope that one day I have that thought. I enjoy reading of the stories you two shared – I just never really know what to say. I know it’s not easy when you lose someone special. Peace be with you.
Your true love story is so heart warming. I think love like you had is rare and to read every word speaks of your loyalty to him.
My husband and I were married the same month and year. Please continue to tell your wonderful stories of life with your true love:)
Marty.
O My!! You made me cry and I don’t do that easily… You were very lucky to have found your soulmate….And lucky to have had him as long as you did….Thanks so much for sharing your story! Happy Anniversary!
Hugs,
Deb
Such a beautiful and touching story. You were truly blessed. Jim was blessed to have you, too.
What a beautiful story. My husband and I were married in June of 1984 also. I am so sorry you don’t have Jim next to you right now, but may the love you had and the peace of God sustain you until you meet again.
What a beautiful love story. I bet Jim is proud of you. Your beautiful home has always been one of my favourites and it is a privilege to learn about you and your sweetheart. You are in my prayers. Hugs.
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story! May God continue to bless you with his peace and comfort! P.S. … you were a beautiful bride!
Marty, Such a blessing to read your post and yours and Jim’s story. I can only imagine how much you do miss him with every breath but thankful that you have the assurance that grave has no victory for our loved ones who know Christ. May you sense God’s Presence and comforting peace today.
Love this beautiful story Marty. I remember praying for you during the time you lost your beloved. What wonderful memories you have. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
A Beautiful True Love. He will always be beside you Marty 🌠
Marty, what a beautiful love story .
Such a beautiful story and such a beautiful couple. Oh how I love a man with a good sense of humor. Sending you hugs (and a virtual bottle of wine with straw) today, my friend. I know he is always with you.
Marty, thanks for sharing your sweet love story. You were a beautiful bride and the pictures throughout the years are wonderful. I hate that you lost your husband so soon but you are right, you’ll be together again someday.
What a beautiful love story, Marty I think of you and Jim when I am reading your blog!! Hugs
A very special LOVE STORY.
A blessing to read.
Hugs,
d
Happy sweet anniversary to you and your beloved! The wine and straw is priceless and so telling of what a funny man you married! Wishing you a beautiful day filled with countless loving memories!
Oh I did not expect this…what a sweet and poignant tribute to the love of your life and the life you shared. Thank you for sharing with all of us❤️
I was sighing thru every word you wrote of your wonderful and love story. No better man than the one that makes you laugh, the saying goes.. And Jim did and that’s why you were happy all the time.
Your wedding dress is gorgeous ! I can’t believe you made it and he helped out. Beautiful bride and handsome groom. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story from your heart. You were very blessed. Many people don’t get to live such a warm and loving story, not in a life time.
Happy Anniversary Marty. He’s probably watching you from heaven.
Hugs,
Fabby
Hard to type with blurry eyes and a lump in my throat. I didn’t know he was gone, but it was the best love story I’ve read in a very long time. So nice you had him for 36 years to stroll though life with you.
BitterSweet, So sad but happy too. This brings tears to my eyes.
Oh Marty, what a wonderful story of enduring love!! I’m crying now, and can see through your words how much he means to you. Hugs and wishing you a Happy Anniversary:-) And your dress was amazing!!
AWl Marty. What a story. I just re-read it to my Michael and dang if I couldn’t get through it without crying again.
Your testament of true love – and your love story – is just precious. Thank you for this beautiful post.
RIP, Jim. You are truly missed. ♥ God bless, Marty.
Oh, Marty, what a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it. True love like this is so precious.
Happy anniversary, Marty. I love that you’re commemorating your anniversary by sharing your beautiful love story. What a great sense of humor Jim had … the wine and straw story is the best. What a difficult year it’s been and you’ve handled it with such grace. Wishing you lots of love on this special day. xo
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos and your sweet love story. May all these wonderful memories be a blessing and comfort to you until you are together again someday.
I so much enjoyed reading your love story, Marty. Sending you a gigantic hug.
Oh Marty Thank you for sharing. Indeed a beautiful love story. Two beautiful people finding each other is amazing . God bless you my friend. Karie
Happy Anniversary, Marty – I love that you have shared your wonderful love story with Jim. The wine bottle with straw – perfect! Wishing you love on this special day.
Mom, that is such a beautiful sentiment. I know you two loved each other very much. We all miss him but we are thankful that you two had so many amazing years together!
God bless you both.
Marty, June 9, 1960 was our special wedding day and we would have celebrated 58 years. Like you, my husband and I shared 44 years before God called him home after 44 years together. We were blessed with a son and a daughter…and now I have 5 granddaughters. Your love story melts hearts and encourages others to find that special person God has for them. Like you, I can understand God’s promise of seeing our loved ones again. We have much to be thankful. Bless you for sharing your story.
Happy Anniversary! Your lovely post sent out a glimpse of the true love you shared
together! After reading, it has touched many, I hope all our thoughts about You & Jim
have been ‘felt’ and have been ‘lifting’ to you both. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hope you don’t stop sharing on your anniversaries ahead, I can pass on the straw
for a swig of love from your love story. smile.