I think you better take me instead of your shop.
What does that mean?
Just that. You’d have less risk with me.
Oh!
And that’s how it began! I never thought about marrying this guy. We were friends. He taught me how to sail. When I had car trouble, he fixed it. In return I made him dinner or did his laundry. We played bridge. We enjoyed the theater. He played piano. I listened. He was who I talked to about guys and with whom I shared my plans for a business. In short, he was the friend who I trusted on many levels so it made sense to trust that marrying him would be a good decision. I think he must have known that before risking a refusal!
Fifty years later here we are. We’ve experienced a lot of highs as well as some lows. Many of both involve family as we’ve celebrated children and grandchildren and mourned the loss of parents and siblings. A few times the marriage has had bumps in the road, but no matter the challenge we realized we are best off together. I am grateful that we had the fortitude to work through the hard times rather than walk away.
Looking back, I could never have dreamed all that has happened in fifty years. It reminds of the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You Will Go. Who knows where we will go next, but we will do it together. Without question, we don’t have another fifty years in front of us which makes it important to celebrate each day and look forward to the anniversaries that are ahead.
Lulu's Musings 
Congratulations! My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary a few years ago and so did my in-laws. So special! 🙂
Given the challenges of marriage, I’m proud of these 50 years.
You should be very proud! AN amazing thing to celebrate!
Indeed it is!
Just beautiful Linda, Happy 50th wedding anniversary!! xx
Thank you, Jeanne. It’s been quite a ride.
Carefully considered and beautifully written! To start at THE start is what drew me in. I always appreciate knowing how couples came to be a couple. There’s almost always an interesting story behind it. This one – kind of “When Harry Met Sally”-ish, is no exception. To start out as friends is not unheard of, but I think it may be more infrequent. I believe it really does help in the times when navigating rough waters. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and to have “that someone” in your life with whom you share history is priceless. Absolutely, unequivocally PRICELESS. Congratulations on sharing and caring and loving for 50 years, and I wish you all the love, peace, happiness, and laughter you deserve as you celebrate those anniversaries still to come.
You are such a treasure!
I loved reading this and wish you and Phil a very Happy Anniversary.
It was wonderful to have a glimpse into your journey. You certainly described the journey of many who have realized together is better than apart. Thank you for sharing. Carol Andrykovitz
Thank you, Carol. It made me happy to see you here.
What a sweet story and what a great basis for a lasting marriage – Happy 50th 💕!!!
We’ve made it this far so we might as well keep going. It made me happy to hear from you.
50 YEARS wonderful !!!
So happy for you and Phil, and thank you for sharing your amazing journey.
CONGRATULATIONS!
🍾🎄🥰💟
Even with challenges, it’ been a good ride.
🎉🥂🍾congratulations
Thank you, Donni. Hope all is well at your end.
“We are best off together.” Isn’t that the truth? Congratulations on “having the fortitude to word through the hard times” for fifty years. Keep on keeping on.
Happy Anniversary to you both. I loved your comments….so real and true for us all.
Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Congratulations!!
❤️
An amazing milestone achieving your 50 year mark! Congratulations. So good to work through instead of walking out. God bless you with many more years together and with the wisdom to enjoy each day you are given.
Thank you, Ellen, for your sweet words. We do try to make the best of these days.
Happy 50th and you are a beautiful couple!
Ogden Nash ( a favorite of mine!) once wrote, “ Near and far, near and far, I am happy where you are. Likewise, I have never larnt how to be it where you aren’t…”. Loosely phrased from his, “Tin Wedding Whistle”. Perfectly true in the best of marriages, I think. Happy Anniversary!
I do like these words!
That’s lovely! Happy anniversary ❤
I loved reading this and FLL your posts actually. You have a charmed life but do do I, I think. Best of holiday wishes to you and yours.😘
Sent from Billie’s iPhone
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I don’t know about charmed, but it is a good life and I am grateful as I’m sure you are.
Happy, happy anniversary! Wishing you even more joy in the years to come! Hugs, Elaine
Thank you, Elaine. We try to find joy in every day.
Happy, Happy Anniversary!! I love this story every time I hear it. It’s so ‘Linda and Phil’❤️ And I am so glad Phil saw ahead and acted. We have all been blessed with the results.
We are thankful for the ‘Linda and Phil’ in our lives and are better for it. Here’s to many more healthy, happy years!
Love you, Sandy and Tom
How special when your husband is your best friend❣️ Congratulations‼️
There are times when that friendship has been challenged, but I guess that’s normal!
Happy Anniversary and congratulations on a long and loving life together!
Congratulations on a long and successful journey!
Congratulations Linda, and what a beautiful photo!
Jenna
Thanks, Jenna, it’s been a journey.
Congratulations! You both look fabulous!
Thank you, Monica, we try to wear the years well!
Happy Anniversary