I am so sorry I did not give you a heads up on my wedding anniversary. It was Oct. 15.
Forty-two years. I am not sure what the gift is for someone after being married that long, so we did not exchange gifts nor did we receive any from family or friends. Forty-two is a long time to be married to just one person, but neither of us are likely to request a divorce this late in the game for a number of reasons.
First, Carey and I communicate with each other without talking. It is like we are mind readers. So much can be conveyed without even saying a word—just a look or an eye roll.I doubt I would have that magic with anyone else.
Second, who would make me dinner every night? About five years ago, I declared I was done with cooking. I had spent years preparing meals for Carey and the kids. Every day at 5 p.m., I would pour myself a glass of wine and start the process. But since I stopped drinking—because it gives me a migraine—I just cannot seem to get myself anywhere near the oven. Plus, I cannot see all the buttons without my glasses so it was getting harder to know if I was baking something or broiling it—not to mention the convection oven option, which I never really understood. So, Carey is in charge of meals. We get one of those delivery services twice a week, and he is happy to open the box and follow the directions. Life is so much easier once you do not have two children staring at you, waiting to be fed.
Third, who would we date? The thought is frightening to me. Carey would not have an issue because he is in good shape and can carry on a conversation with just about anyone. But since men die earlier than women, my prospects would be limited. Where would I even go to meet someone? And I don’t even want to think of getting naked in front of anyone but Carey. Yes, I have aged and with it comes lots of sagging and rolls and lumps I did not have when I was 23.
Fourth, Carey can fix anything. Light burned out. He is on it. The house needs painting. There he goes. Yard work? Well, to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever mowed the lawn in the 22 years we have lived in this house
And finally, I still love the guy. We have grown up together. He is a voice of reason when I start going down a rabbit hole of horror. He is the optimist, and I am the pessimist. It is a good balance because we meet somewhere in the middle, and things usually work out just fine.
People have asked what is the secret to being married for so long. I have no idea, but maybe it is because when I look at Carey, I still see the 18-year-old college freshman I stalked until he dated me. I knew he was the one even before I knew his name. So happy anniversary to us!