43rd spent in the 49th

As Terri and I selected our wedding date, March 28, 1981, we naively envisioned the typical Kansas weather for our future anniversaries—sunny skies and a warm breeze. On our wedding day we basked in the high-70s and radiant sunshine. Yet, as God would have it, most of our anniversaries found us in New England, braving the quintessential cold, rainy days. Today, on our 43rd anniversary, Washington greets us with a familiar low 50s chill and a gentle drizzle.

Oh well.

As a result of the poor weather, we have often celebrated our anniversary when warmer weather prevails. This year, we will celebrate sometime during our Alaskan excursion. This year promises an adventure of a lifetime—an Alaskan escapade! Imagine us aboard a luxury train, the Alaskan landscape unfolding as we sit and dine in a train car featuring a canopy of glass, from Fairbanks to Anchorage and back. Or perhaps we’ll echo the joy of our 18th anniversary in Montreal, dog sledding through the woods (albeit on a wheeled sled). The thrill of a Denali fat truck tour beckons, as does the rugged drive of an ATV backcountry trek. We have the possible choice of flying in an aircraft tour above Mt. Denali, marveling at the majesty of snow-capped peaks and glacier-carved valleys. Check these options out. Tell us your opinion. Maybe we will do them all!

Yet, the heart of this journey beats not in the activities but in the company. Terri, my best friend, lover, wife, and treasure—every moment with her is a celebration of life. While I shy away from public displays of affection, today, I write to share a message of hope and love. Having a great, terrific, outstanding marriage that lasts is entirely possible. A testament to a marriage that grows stronger with each passing day, a love that deepens beyond the vows exchanged on that sunny Kansas morning (yup, around 8:00 am). Our secret? A shared faith and guidance from the wisdom of the Bible.

This blog post is more than a recount of anniversaries; it’s a declaration of love and companionship. Alaska without Terri? Unthinkable. Together, we embark on this journey, not as a mere tick on a bucket list, but as a shared experience that binds us even closer. I can hardly wait to witness the sparkle in Terri’s eyes as she beholds the Alaskan vistas, her delight in the simple joy of petting reindeer.

So here’s to us, Terri, to our love that defies the elements. Giddy up, my pioneer woman, for Alaska awaits, and with it, another chapter in our enduring love story.