Anniversary

It is a cold day out on the prairie this 20th day of December. There is ice and snow on the ground and the temperature began in single digits and it is 11 degrees now. The temperature in Salinas, CA is 50 - I'm not sure what it was 34 years ago on our wedding day, but I know it was not cold and there sure was not ice and snow on the ground.

Everyone looks so young in the wedding pictures! We pulled the wedding album out of the nightstand drawer today - first time they had seen the light of day in years. I think we will leave the pictures out so the kids can have a good laugh when they are home for Christmas.

Christmas is probably not a good time to get married, but we sure didn't want to wait until college summer break, so Christmas time it was. The bridal party came in on O Holy Night and left on The Twelve Days of Christmas. I wonder what the guests thought about that? Didn't care then and it matters not now. Our colors were more traditional - the ladies in red, the guys in forest green tuxes; and don't forget about those ruffled shirts!

It was a beautiful wedding. Genelle was gorgeous, and she has become more beautiful every year! I am the most fortunate man on the planet - sorry guys, but it is true. She excels all others! For 34 years Genelle has ravished my heart.

God has graced us with His favor. Two lives have become one. A holy mystery. I am forever grateful that God brought Genelle to me in an Eden called Seattle; He was truly at work behind the scenes - a California chick and a Kansas hick brought together in Bible College. Oh the unsearchable greatness of God!

And so, if I had it all over to do again, I would without hesitation say, "Genelle, would you marry me?" But hopefully, this time, while on the bluff overlooking Shilshole Bay, I would not be so nervous and ask, while putting on the engagement ring, "Genelle, would you be my husband?!"

Happy thirty-fourth anniversary, Beautiful. I love you more...

Jamie