Happy 46th Anniversary to Us!

46 years! And it’s certainly been quite a journey (no pun intended)! 

Would we change a thing? Not a chance. The peaks and valleys we experienced shaped not just our marriage but our perspective on marriage. 

Take a walk down our very own memory lane with us!

Our relationship began as most do: infatuation – we were high on love! We were intrigued by the differences we saw in each other and even appreciated and enjoyed them (more on this later!).

There were many successes throughout our relationship. Tim flourished in his career. He was a Partner in a public accountancy firm and a General Audit Director of a large company. Diana blossomed as a volunteer: PTO, Junior Women’s club, foster mom – even beginning a program to assist parents in their time of need, Special Care Infants. You name it, and she was there! 

Always the appearance of wealth and achievement. 

But our most outstanding achievement of them all?

Together, we successfully raised four remarkable children, who are now parents themselves. And today, we are blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren!

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though. We had our share of hard times and difficulties along the way. Leaving our families and our home state of Illinois early in our marriage was challenging, pushing our marital limits. But, we survived that first move – and even went on to move five more times throughout our marriage! Our travels from state to state have become legendary, even affording Diana the title of the queen of packing. First, we moved from Texas to New York. From there to Wisconsin. Then on to Ohio, Alabama, and eventually to Florida, where we’ve settled. (Whew! We’re tired just thinking about all those moves now!)

Our marriage has endured financial hardships of the most painful kind. 

Our youngest son was very sick, to the point of being flown to another hospital for specialized care. It was a very stressful time for our family. 

And those differences we saw and appreciated in each other in the early stages of our relationship? By now, these were causing divisions and issues. Tim is a more assertive and powerful personality, one of a determination to succeed. That would sometimes go against Diana’s peaceful nature and desire to seek peace and harmony. The result of those personality differences – not always pretty – made for additional learning opportunities!

Then the word of Tim’s affair. It was a crossroads for our marriage. But, if you know our story, it’s one of a painful yet beautiful restoration. One of forgiveness and grace. A story that led us to begin our own coaching business and propelled us to lead other couples experiencing marital troubles to a better path. 

So, after 46 years together – we’ve learned a few things! Some of our top and favorite learnings?

• Marriage is continual learning – go to seminars, take courses, and never stop learning (about yourself and your spouse, too!).
• Communication is critical. Keep talking. 
• Stay connected.
• Passion and intimacy are essential. So keep the homes fires burning!
• Have fun together! Laughter is the best medicine, after all!
• And lastly, but most importantly, keep God the center of your marriage, and keep Him your priority. Pray, attend church, and read the Bible.

As we head into another year, we are grateful. We can see the hand of God through every up and each down that we’ve endured. He has been faithful through it all.

Here’s to many, many more!