memorablemeanders.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wedding Anniversary!

Grant and I met at a wedding on 20th July 1968. My family was invited to the wedding; his mum did the catering at the reception. I was 15 ½ and he 17 ½.

Although Grant and I were both at the same school, I never imagined having anything to do with him. We were worlds apart; not only did we live in different towns - I was a boarder and he was a day scholar - he was English speaking whereas I hailed from proud Afrikaner stock. Yet when love strikes, it does not care about cultural differences and logistic challenges. Within a week we were an item. At the end of 1971 Grant sold his prize motorbike to buy me an engagement ring. We were ultimately married in on 4th March 1972.(I was 19 and he was 21).

On our 31st wedding anniversary I bought him a Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster (see below) to replace the bike he’d originally sold to make the investment of a lifetime. (Ha!)

The Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster I bought my husband on our 31st wedding anniversary

Grant and I at our younger son's wedding in 2007. (Married 35 years)

We have two beautiful sons and two wonderful daughters-in-law; so far we have two precious grandchildren with a third one arriving at the end of this month.

My darling husband, Grant and me today. Married 37 years!

As with any project you tackle in life, our marriage was not always moonshine and roses. At first we had to learn to live with each other. For the past nine years he’s worked away from home, so we’ve had to learn to live without each other! As this post goes on air, Grant is winging his way across the African continent to the Sudan.
I’ll not exchanged one day of my life for anything in the world. Looking back over the years I can honestly say that the good times have far outnumbered anything negative that may have taken place.

13 comments:

  1. Oh Jo, that is so sweet! I love the wedding picture of you guys together! And congratulations on the third grandchild coming soon! :-D

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  2. Happy anniversary to you both, I love the fact you replaced his treasured bike but I am sure he never regretted selling it for one minute in those 37 years1

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  3. Thanks Esther, we in that picture, taken in the back of the bridal car, we look like "babes" which we probably were at that tender age! Hugs Jo

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  4. Thanks Peggy; it's a fact that I lasted longer than the bike would've! Nowadays we enjoy the motor bike together (not the Harley anymore, we've changed to a BMW) and have lots of fun on it) Hugs Jo PS My Internet is behaving a lot better now so I'll be visiting blogs more regularly.

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  5. What a beautiful story and photos. Sending you the happiest of anniversary wishes across the many miles!!

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  6. Thank you FLMOM. You are a darling. It's good to hear from you again. I've struggled with my Internet since I began blogging. However, now it seems to have stabilised so I'll be visiting and commenting on blogs much more from now on. Hugs Jo

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  7. Happy Anniversary! You were both so cute in your wedding pictures. Congratulations on your 37th year together.

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  8. Thanks Dedene, yes we are truly blessed to have these many years together. Hugs Jo

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  9. Jo, congratulations to you both on your wedding anniversary - and may you have very many more happy years ahead of you !
    xx

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  10. Thanks Lynda. I celebrated it without Grant as he flew out to the Sudan on Wednesday! My family was visiting which made it easier. Hugs Jo

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  11. Dearest Jo-
    Happy Anniversary for the 4th March - I remember the day well! Sorry I forgot to call or e-mail you on the 4th! You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
    Lots of love

    God Bless - Rose

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  12. Thanks Rose, yes how could we forget that day? You were my chief bridesmaid and when you saw me arrive at the church on Daddy's arm, you starting crying which set HIM off! Remember my flowers were left behind at home and a little cousin dropped my wedding cake on the way to the reception! Oh and a mirrow smashed off its hooks while I was doing my make-up. Yet, all I can remember is how much I enjoyed the day and walking down the aisle to the man of my dreams! Thanks for ALWAYS being there for me. Hugs Jo xxx

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  13. You and Grant look like high school kids in the black-and-white photo--so young and so cute!

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