Gayle and I just celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary on January 20th, 2007. We spent some time thinking back over the years and actually had some people ask us to what we attributed our longevity in marriage. My first statement was "a lot of forgiveness." Gayle spelled out, "P-R-A-Y-E-R." Then I added in the biggest key I know. "I need to work on becoming the best husband I can while not trying to fix Gayle. She needs to work on being the best wife she can become while not working on me." Gayle and I married at the ripe old age of 19! We had gotten engaged at 17!! We met in the 9th grade and I actually asked her to marry me way back then! For both of us our first date is a strong memory. After looking at each other in school for years, we both left our homes and walked halfway to meet and go to a high school pep ralley/bon fire. We met in the middle, on the busiest street in town. Gayle had on a white fuzzy coat with her long blonde hair cascading down over it. We just kind of stood there. I had my hands on her waist and she her arms around my neck and we just looked at each other for the longest time. Neither of us could believe we were finally together. There was some snow flurries falling and it was a perfect moment. In some ways, I wish I could go back to that moment and take all the years of wisdom with me. I’d would treat her more like she deserves from the beginning. We dated off and on all through school but I never imagined ever being married to anyone else. I always knew when the dust settled Gayle would be the girl for me to settle down and have a family with. Our journey has not been without many bumps and bruises but somehow with the Lord’s help at 53 years of age and all our history behind us, Gayle and I love and enjoy each other more now than ever. I personally attribute much of our happiness as a couple to Gayle’s willingness to support and encourage and forgive me when needed. We just spent an awesome weekend celebrating our anniversary here in Florida, why go anywhere else? We enjoyed some long walks, great meals, beautiful scenes and a day at the beach (82 degrees!). It was an awesome time together, check out some of our pictures just added to this site. Thank the Lord for delighting in us! For all He has taught us over the years and for allowing us to be content with our lives together!

 

Scott