Just to recap, my mother and father are going to Alaska for their 30th Anniversary. My mom, Joan, has graciously volunteered to take over Driftyland for the majority of their trip. Without further adieu…
In less than 12 hours, my husband and I will head to the airport to begin what most people would call “the trip of a lifetime”. To me, the last 30 years of marriage that we are going to be celebrating has been “my trip of a lifetime”. Honestly it has been more of an adventure.
When I say the words “30 years”, I find it hard to fathom. Most people react by and saying “WOW…..that’s really awesome”. Our family and friends would probably use the word “unbelievable” rather than “awesome”. Persistent is a word that infinitely describes both of our personalities.
The secret to our long tenure is definitely patience. I have a memory like an elephant. On our wedding night, we were dropped off at a hotel near the airport and Rick told me “to suck it up and carry my own bags!” I could not help but wonder what I had gotten myself into.
Rick has told me “to suck it up” many times over the years by encouraging me with tough love. When I was a little girl, I wanted to live in a 4 bedroom Colonial house, have 5 children, and be married to the man of my dreams. I had no idea what kind of person the man of my dreams would be. Someone just like my father? Doubtful. Someone famous? Not likely. Someone perfect? Impossible. Instead I married a boy who turned into that man. My husband continues to challenge me every day by asking me to look beyond my own self and “to be the bigger person Jones”. I need more than my share of reminders.
Rick Randall is a kind and sensitive man, a hard worker, an excellent father, and true friend. BTW…..he’s been in my face since I starting writing this blog annoying the hell out of me and finally admitting that “suck it up” was only the first of many comments he has since regretted.
Happy Anniversary Mr. Restaurant. Joan Tourist is looking forward to our future adventures together especially at 3 am tomorrow morning……carrying my own bags of course.