Okay so this will post a day early. This weekend is Father’s Day (as you probably already know) and I plan to use the weekend post for my sermon.
However, Friday, June 16th is mine and Jo’s 44th anniversary. I’m not going to get all sappy on you. (I’ll save that for her). 🙂 We got married between our Junior and Senior years in college. We dated for just over two years before that.
I could tell you we used to hang around with a group of other students and did some things that we cringe at today. Like crawling through a cave at Carter Caves State Park. Filled with bat guana. Holes so small I wonder now “what were we thinking?” An adventure I’d “shoot” my girls if they ever did. Yeah…our parents never knew.
I played basketball. She tried out for the cheerleading squad but was never chosen. But she was one of the biggest cheerleaders there. She was mine our Sophomore and Junior year. (I didn’t play our Senior year. Thought I would concentrate on studying. Didn’t help).
We have served in all sizes and shapes of churches. From vibrant to dead end. From pastor to youth pastor. I’ve been asked to leave a few times (no morals charge) and I have left on my own. Ohio to Ohio to Ohio to Indiana to Ohio to Indiana to Ohio and back to Indiana (where we are now).
She never complained. She never balked. She never left. She never left kicking and screaming. She trusted my judgment (Hmmmm) and more so, God’s plan for us.
She hates public speaking. She doesn’t sing solos. She doesn’t play an instrument. But she was and is a fantastic mom and mamaw. She shines in the latter. She does the Power Point each week, faithfully typing it even when we are going to be gone. She loves behind-the-scenes.
She loves me. I have seen how deep her love reaches the past few months as I have had to deal with the two bicycle wrecks, the one in February bringing me close to checking out (if not for my helmet). She wants to do more and bristles when I do it myself. Neither one of us looks like we did when we got married. (I was 6’3″ and 170 lbs. I am now 6’5″ and 215 lbs. I value my life so don’t even ask about her. LOL
I could go on but this has gone on long enough. Or I could ask, “How much time do you have?” She is my treasure. We have had our ups and downs but have never thought about closing the door. No…we love each other too much for that. Besides, where else will I find someone who will put up with my cycling nonsense (some might say obsession) and weird humor?
I love you honey. Happy 44th. https://youtu.be/PEENq0d6fWI
Congratulations Bill and Jo! Enjoy your day!
Thanks Ryan. I hope yours and Amanda’s is a good one today. #20 for them.
Nicely done. (From Dave, the head of 3FeetPlease).
Thanks Dave.
Happy Anniversary to you and Jo. God blessed you with a wonderful partner for life. Wonderful words of tribute to a deserving lady. Give her my best.
Thanks Floyd. I feel honored and undeserving.
Happy 44th Anniversary, Bill! That’s an incredible accomplishment and something to be proud of. Blessings to you and your bride as you celebrate!
Thanks Lisa. yeah…they said it wouldn’t last. 🙂
Congratulations Bill and Jo.
Thanks Martha.
Happy and Blessed Anniversary, Bill and Jo!!! I know Friday will be a wonderful celebration of your love for each other. 🙂
Thanks Martha. I’m looking forward to it.
Congrats Bill! This is wonderful. My wife and I got married in college, honeymooned over spring break, except it was her junior year and my sophomore. Some days that feels like a lifetime ago! Congratulations again and have a wonderful anniversary and Father’s Day.
Thanks Jason. I’d say you guys were younger than us. 🙂 Rephrase: are younger. Time flies though.
Happy Anniversary to a special couple and special friends of ours. So thankful that our Father left you here with your family and those who love you. Give Jo a hug for me. Love ya both bunches and bunches😘😱❤️🎈🎉💑🌹🍕🍰🍦🎶
Thanks Pearline. We have been blessed by many friends. You and Dave are two of the finest.
Congratulations, Bill and Jo! Love the song! One of my favorites!