My love, My life

I would say that, by most standards, forty years is a long time.   If that is true, why does it seem like it was just yesterday that this man of mine and I became man and wife?  Why does it seem like all we did is blink and poof, here we are?





Jim and Deanna - June 17, 1972



Maybe it is because we married the right person and have held on tight as we shared our lives together.  We found strength in each other to help us face any struggles, burdens, sorrows, and heart breaks.  We've held on to our happinesses, joys, successes, and loves.  We celebrate each day together.  All of these things could be the reason that 40 years have flown by in the blink of an eye.  I am very blessed to have had Jim standing next to me as I am traveling this journey called life.

June 17, 2012
Tessa, Deanna, Jim, Julie, Greg

Our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren did everything possible to make this day very special for us. 


Saturday we they got everything ready.  The plan was to host a cake and punch reception at church after Sunday morning Mass.  Then just family (and our pastor, of course) was going to have a good ol' fashioned BBQ at the house.  That meant the metal lawn chairs had to be retrieved from the garage storage and cleaned off.  Since there are 18 of those things, that is a job all by itself!  The menu was BBQ Pulled Pork, fully loaded baked beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, Mex-Tex Dip & Chips, left over cake from the reception, and home made ice cream.  It was PERFECT!

Anniversary Cake
Center Cake has the names of everyone in the family written around the border
The two side cakes include words that describe our life together
As I read the cake, it didn't take me too long to tear up - because that is what I do... It was beautiful!

Front row:  James, Cara, Jim, Deanna, Allen, Reagan, Austin
Middle row:  Anna, Tessa, Emily, Alicia, Dakota, Julie
Back row: Bill, Greg, Travis, Doug, Cody

 We took tons of pictures.  So, of course, I made a video.  The song used in the video is John Denver's "For Baby".  We sang that song to each other on our wedding day, so it seemed appropriate to use it. 

With that, I will leave you with the words to "For Baby" and a link to a video of our 40th Wedding Anniversary. 

"For Baby (For Bobbie)"

I'll walk in the rain by your side,
I'll cling to the warmth your hand.
I'll do anything to keep you satisfied,
I'll love you more than anybody can.

And the wind will whisper your name to me.
Little birds will sing along in time.
Leaves will bow down when you walk by,
And morning bells will chime.

I'll be there when you're feelin' down,
To kiss away the tears if you cry
I'll share with you all the happiness I've found;
A reflection of the love in your eyes.

And I'll sing you the songs of the rainbow;
A whisper of the joy that is mine.
And leaves will bow down when you walk by,
And morning bells will chime.

I'll walk in the rain by your side.
I'll cling to the warmth your tiny hand.
I'll do anything to help understand.
And I'll love you more than anybody can.

And the wind will whisper your name to me.
Little birds will sing along in time.
Leaves will bow down when you walk by:
And morning bells will chime.

by John Denver