In your heart, time stands still

Officially, our wedding anniversary is tomorrow Mar. 31. That's how close we came to being April Fools 38 years ago! We celebrated with friends and a nice dinner tonight because of other commitments tomorrow.

It's almost unreal that we've been married for so long. I still feel 18, let alone feel married for 38 years! Umm, a 20 year time warp. But it's true. My man and I are still joined at the hip, still enjoying each other's company. He still spooks me when he articulates the thought I'm about to utter. He tells my own stories better than I do. He makes me laugh. He still makes my heart beat faster with a look from those dark eyes, and I love how he looks in jeans!

So, do I have a secret for a long, strong marriage? Maybe. Keep kissing, hello, goodbye, goodnight and for any old reason or none at all. Keep talking and listening. It doesn't matter if it's important or mundane - just keep at it. Share your thoughts, worries, yourself. Keep touching, keep spooning. Don't forget to...caress his bald spot, hold his hand, fondle his earlobe, stroke a cheek, embrace him with all your might. When you think you know his body as well as your own, think again. There's always more to learn. Respect and honour him - he's your life mate, your children's father. Keep your loud voice to a minimum; it helps with the respect. Don't laugh in the wrong places. Live together as fully as you can. Always be honest.

We celebrate differently and it amuses us. I say, "I have no card but I have this for you," and hand him a T-shirt that reads: "Gimmie my Timmies and no one gets hurt!" It's a joke between us how much he loves his Tim Horton coffee which I myself can't stand. He says, "I have no gift but I have this card for you," as he hands me this, his choice, from Carlton Cards:

For my wife:

Many anniversaries from now when we have been together for a very long time,

I wonder what it will be like...

Will we share extra blankets to keep warm?

Count the stars from our front porch rockers?

Dream older, wiser dreams, or be contented with the memories we've made?

Of course, I can't predict the future, but I'll tell you what I do know --

I'll still need to hold you close.

If we sit in our rockers, mine will be right next to yours.

And no matter how old or wise we become, I'll still want the feel of your gentle hand in mine...

I guess what I'm trying to say is,

I look forward to whatever the future may hold --

as long as my future holds you.