Recipe for Success

First and foremost you must find someone who is a kindred spirit and can be totally comfortable with someone you have dated in the past and is still your friend.
Next, he must be someone who can put up with your snottiness and general ill will. I'd like to say this has passed in 40 years but hey, I'm human right?
Next, you must be willing to admit he is the cutest, God loving, most loving husband and father ever created (even if he thinks he can dance)

Then your raise a toast to 40 glorious years to the boy you fell in love with and the one you hope to be with for at least 40 more years. I love you so much sweetheart!

"Check Please"

I knew this day would come. I completed all the "steps" to make this happen. Yet, all along I thought God would just take my Mama to be with Daddy forever. I guess in the back of my mind I didn't really think that Mama would have to spend her final days in a nursing home. Last week, after refusing to eat or drink for four days I honestly thought that God was taking her home. Lesson learned...I am NOT God and cannot even begin to think as He does. Morning of the 5th day she calls me bright and early (5:20 am) and asks for her pills and $200 to go grocery shopping for chicken.

So, today the check arrives that will allow me to admit her into the nursing home. There is a reason the word "angst" is spelled as it is. When you utter it at the top of your lungs it comes out as a prayer for help. I'll tell you straight up, I hate this whole thing. I wish I could just erase all her pain and anguish. Instead I call for the waiter..."Check Please"

"Can I Have Your Number?"

How many of you remember just waiting for the phone to ring? I mean seriously w a i t i n g???

I had one of the princess phones pictured above and I remember being in my very cool room with pink and green paisley decorations and really groovy candles (which I wasn't allowed to light) listening to the transistor radio for the perfect song to come on when the "perfect" boy called. Oh yes, he called. I remember putting a pillow over the ringer so my parents couldn't hear the phone. Oh how dumb :-}

Anyway, this perfect boy and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary on the 30th of this month.

Oh, are you wondering what the "perfect song" was?

"We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters.

Yep, 40 years later...We've Only Just Begun.

Harmony

One of my favorite things to do is listen closely to songs that have beautiful harmony. I especially love duets with unexpected collaborations. I could make a list but I'm sure you have your favorites too.

Yesterday I woke up with a feeling of doom or dread that I just couldn't put my finger on. At first, I thought it must be something with Mama but no, she was the same. The low notes seemed to follow me all day. As it turns out, there was indeed a reason for this feeling. I seem to be hypersensitive to things around me and yes indeed several of my friends and loved ones had a really rough day yesterday.

This morning I was spending time listening to some favorite music of mine. I chose those harmonies, that perfect blending of high and low notes that in the end creates a peaceful melody. I'm not sure what today will bring but I do know I have a song in my heart.

And I Will Always Love You

Ok everyone, dust off your dancing shoes...you have exactly 29 days to celebrate our 40th anniversary with us. Yes indeed, 40 years! Let's just think back. I had my hair in hot rollers when Al arrived at our house with my flowers. It was considered "bad luck" to see the bride before the wedding so I pretended to giggle in my room. My wedding dress was green and white because that is what my parents insisted on. I made a small statement by hemming my dress "a little" above my knees. Our wedding cake had white icing but yellow flowers.

So here we are, 40 years later and buying each other sappy love songs on CDs. We still hold hands, finish each others sentences and now we call each other Mommy and Daddy. Our kids think we are sickening but truth be told, I think they are happy when we can sing along with "And I will always Love You"