The First Year of Marriage, Oops!

Oops! This is last week's question, because I don't pay attention! (Okay, you know I'm slow.)This week's question is, "How did he propose?" Sorry, I'll have to hand my report in late! How did he propose anyway....maybe it was my idea....hmm ~ wouldn't you like to know?! Anyway, here is my response to last week's question of the week! (And that's all I have to say about that!);-)

What funny lessons did you learn in your first year of marriage?



My goodness, it has been so long ago, whatever I learned that first year, I have probably forgotten! I will try, but without any promises.

I grew up in town with one sister. Because Ada is a relatively small town and my folks owned the cab company, I knew everyone in town (which translates to: I couldn’t get by with squat without my folks finding out.)

Honey hunk grew up in the country with five brothers. Not only did honey-hunk have five brothers, he also had five uncles (his mom’s brothers), who lived in the area (which translates to: more cousins than I could count!). And they all lived west of Ada toward Asher.

It wasn’t long until I realized, I couldn’t get by with squat outside the city limits either! The handy part was, if I broke down or ran out of gas (I was experimenting with weaning the car), it was never long until one of my in-laws came by and saved the day.

Which brings up another point, which I do remember: If I had car trouble before we were married, he was always eager to come to my rescue. After a few months of marriage, he seemed to loose his enthusiasm. Finally, I got to noticing, when we were together and came upon someone with car trouble issues, we always stopped and offered assistance – cheerfully. So one muddy, dreary day when I managed to get stuck and he had to come to my rescue he had “that look” – that, don’t tell me you actually got stuck and couldn’t drive it out “look.” I suggested he treat me like a stranger, rather than his wife. “Just smile, pretend you don’t know me, and get my car out of this ditch!”

Honey-hunk is also a twin and I learned it isn’t unusual for twins to want someone around pretty much all the time. If he was in the shop, he wanted me in the shop. If he had to work in the pasture, he wanted me to go along – then, I had this rather “light bulb” moment. It couldn’t be he just wanted me to clean the tools (or parts) or ride along to open the gates, could it? Surely not….?!!

Over the years, we have had very few differences of opinion. He has learned that it is his job to rescue me (even from myself). I’ve learned to “enjoy” air shows, early morning trips to the barn to see the latest surprise, and to embrace his large extended family. We’ve adjusted ~ he’s the thinker, I’m the talker ~ he’s laid back and easy going, I get in a hurry and have been known to get frustrated. As a matter of fact, he used to call me “Susie Spotless.” He couldn’t put a glass down, without me grabbing it. Time and age have taking care of that! And my presence is no longer required at the shop. That’s what sons, son-in-laws and grandkids are for. (I do still open a gate now and then.)

We just celebrated our 37th anniversary. We have weathered the storms of aging parents, job changes, and watched kids grow up. I am still crazy about him! One of my aunts used to tease me saying, “He really steals your thunder, doesn’t he?” Yeah, he does! I wish everyone’s marriage could be as good as ours, not because our marriage has been perfect, but because it has been “solid.” He is my “help meet” in every sense. Sitting here, I’ve tried to figure out why us? Why have we been so blessed in our relationship? We’ve seen many of our friends and relatives divorce and go their separate ways. If I could tell young couples anything, it would be to love one another, have faith in God, and keep that sense of humor handy!

One other thing ~ My mom was a good cook. One of the first suppers she prepared was chicken & dumplings, because Daddy had told her, it was one of his favorites. However, my dad made the fatal mistake of telling her, "It's not like Mama used to make." It was five years before he got the chance to say that again....but he didn't! *smile*

To read more answers to, "How did he propose?" visit Real Housewives of Oklahoma. They rock!

Blessings!