To finish off our 25th Anniversary celebrations, my side of the family arranged for a meal at Peter Piper’s Pub in Fonthill several days after our return from Stratford. Nat’s side of the family (at least some of them) also joined the festivities and it was really great fun. The food was terrific and I had a chance to sit with a few of my sisters and have a personal chin wag which I’ve not had a chance to do in a long while. I so miss those sister get togethers.
Before the meal began I stood up and announced that Nat had come into possession of a bag load of Empire Apples fresh off the tree from Vineland Agriculture Centre and we were hoping to give away the whole lot, if any one or more wanted. We had already set aside quite a few for ourselves. Nat had a desire for Apple Pie and we were going to give it a try the following Sunday.
I had been thinking prior to going for our dinner, that I would give a small speech to thank everyone for coming and to thank Nat for 25 years of marriage. I chickened out at the last minute, not wanting to upset any apple carts, and became worried how things would be taken by my loving hubbie. As I had composed this little speech in my head over several days, I’ve decided to add it to this post, firstly, because it kind of sums up our life together so far, and secondly, because I truly wanted Nat to know how much he means to me after 25 years of putting up with such an independent women and with all of my crap. So here goes:
- In my early 40’s I fell in love with this man as he walked his daughter down the aisle. As I shook his hand in the reception line, I gazed into deep blue eyes that melted my heart. It was instant.
- It’s been 25 years of ups and downs that the love of my life never saw coming. He’s had an instant education in Kidney Disease, with 3 long years on Dialysis, the work-up, the Transplant, the Rejections, the recovery and extensive medications and all of their varying side effects. He’s endured my withdrawal of 30 years of smoking, with the anger, depression and tears brought on by the withdrawal.
- Then came the Polyp, the long undiagnosed Thrush that almost broke the two of us in 2018.
- We’ve had our spats, arguments and drag out fights, with one on the back balcony so loud I’m sure all of Ridgeway heard us. Even the birds didn’t return to their feeder for 2 days afterward.
- We learned that honesty with each other was imperative, talking things out was a necessity, but most of all love and understanding dominate.
- We’ve travelled (even while on Dialysis), have explored places neither one would have done alone. Together we’ve grown in mind and spirit.
- It was not easy for me to be an outsider while getting to know his family, their customs and their habits. Nat has helped and supported me in every way he knew how.
- We’ve had 25 years of wonderful family memories that will endure a lifetime.
- Nat, I’ve loved you all of my yesterdays, love you today and will love you for all of my tomorrows. Here’s to the next 25.
With all of my heart I hope and dream that the rest of our years together will be health free, carefree and loving. A little extra money along the way wouldn’t go amiss!!
P.S. The Apple Pie – first time for both of us – may have a sunken top, but was delicious according to Nat:
