This post is for my grandson. He's always asking about how grandpa and I have stayed in love/married for 51 years. First of all, it is a gift from God. His other grandparents didn't make it like we did for a variety of reasons. I think he studies us, because he wants it for him and Shaye.
MARRIAGE
When we got married in 1974 - this was our song. I am sure most of you remember it. That is what we were feeling at the time. We engraved it on our rings. Truly we were just beginning. All sorts of dreams and plans rumbling in our heads.
Truth be told we didn't know much of anything - we had only just begun.
Click the song title below if you want to hear the song.
We've Only Just Begun - by the Carpenters.
We've only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
(We've only begun)
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
(We've only begun)
Before the risin' sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We start out walkin' and learn to run
(And yes, we've just begun)
So many roads to choose
We start out walkin' and learn to run
(And yes, we've just begun)
Sharin' horizons that are new to us
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
(And yes, we've just begun)
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
(And yes, we've just begun)
Sharin' horizons that are new to us
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together
Together
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes, we've just begun
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes, we've just begun
Songwriters: Paul H. Williams, Roger S. Nichols. For non-commercial use only.
51 YEARS OF MARRIAGE LATER (LOL)
(IT WILL BE 52 IN MAY 2026)
During the 51 years of marriage - we had an array of issues, and we did struggle at times. It wasn't always easy, but it was good.
LIFE HAPPENS AND YOU GROW AND LEARN
We were happy, we had great children, grandchildren, now a great grandchild - had a great church with friends, we traveled, laughed a lot, built a wonderful home, we had lots of good times. I think too, being grateful for what we had was a big part. We were never rich, but we had ENOUGH.
Of course, we experienced the loss of family and friends. The loss of jobs. Moving and giving up the house. The kids moving away. Differences of opinions - lol. The worst was when I almost lost him four years ago with series heart issues. I actually called up a funeral home to make plans.
We have been through so much together. We have HISTORY and this became the story of our life...
I GUESS MY ADVICE FOR HIM WOULD BE TO:
KEEP GOD FIRST
TIE A KNOT AND HANG ON FOR THE UP AND DOWN RIDES
LIFE CYCLES - IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHERE YOU ARE AT RIGHT NOW - IT WILL CHANGE
BE GRATEFUL
THIS IS OUR SONG NOW:
Click on the song title to hear the song.
The Story of My Life - Neil Diamond
The story of my life
Is very plain to read
It starts the day you came
It ends the day you leave
The story of my life
Begins and ends with you
The names are still the same
The story's still the truth
I was alone
You found me waiting
And made me your own
I was afraid
That somehow I never could be
The man that you wanted of me
You're the story of my life
And every word is true
Each chapter sings your name
Each page begins with you
It's the story of our times
And never letting go
And if I die today
I wanted you to know
Stay with me here
Share with me, care with me
Stay and be near
And when it began
I'd lie awake every night
Just knowing somewhere deep inside
That our love affair just might write
The story of my life
It's so very plain to read
It starts the day you came
And ends the day you leave
Songwriters: Neil Diamond. For non-commercial use only.
The story of my life
Is very plain to read
It starts the day you came
It ends the day you leave
Is very plain to read
It starts the day you came
It ends the day you leave
The story of my life
Begins and ends with you
The names are still the same
The story's still the truth
Begins and ends with you
The names are still the same
The story's still the truth
I was alone
You found me waiting
And made me your own
I was afraid
That somehow I never could be
The man that you wanted of me
You found me waiting
And made me your own
I was afraid
That somehow I never could be
The man that you wanted of me
You're the story of my life
And every word is true
Each chapter sings your name
Each page begins with you
And every word is true
Each chapter sings your name
Each page begins with you
It's the story of our times
And never letting go
And if I die today
I wanted you to know
And never letting go
And if I die today
I wanted you to know
Stay with me here
Share with me, care with me
Stay and be near
And when it began
I'd lie awake every night
Just knowing somewhere deep inside
That our love affair just might write
Share with me, care with me
Stay and be near
And when it began
I'd lie awake every night
Just knowing somewhere deep inside
That our love affair just might write
The story of my life
It's so very plain to read
It starts the day you came
And ends the day you leave
It's so very plain to read
It starts the day you came
And ends the day you leave
Songwriters: Neil Diamond. For non-commercial use only.
Love, Chatty
28 comments:
What a wonderful story and what a great example you set for a lot of young people marrying today. Congratulations on 51 years of Happiness and may God bless you and your whole family always. Thank you for being you.
Best wishes always. It's a privilege to know you.
Congratulations on your 51 years together as a married couple. Happy
Anniversary! I love the songs you choose to represent how love changes. It's so true ! Hope you both continue to have many years together !
It's a wonderful story and you are so blessed to have each other.
I agree that keeping God in your marriage is so important. I think another thing is never mention divorce. Once it's mentioned, it can't be taken back. If it's not an option, you work through things. (Of course, there are situations like abuse and infidelity that are a different story)
Ahhh Chatty what a sweet entry. Funny when I clicked the first song and the music started playing, Sherry turned from the stove where she was standing and said, "The Carpenters and we've only just begun!"
It is wonderful to hear of long lasting marriages, they are becoming less and less. We know in 51 years you guys have overcome many obstacles, and mad it thru them. I know your grandson is very proud of you guys, and that is a great thing. Love from our back yard.
Beautiful and inspiring. Your grandson is watching you and studying your marriage. Keeping God first is the key. ✝️
This is SO SWEET... I love all of it!! even the ups and downs, because this is where our love grows. Great advice given....Let God be the center of your home. I think this is very special that your grandson admires what you and your sweetie have built.
Congratulations 🎊 to you. Sweet post, dear Sandie. I have always loved the Carpenters and Neil Diamond as well.
God bless you 🙏 ❤️ Thank you 😊 so much for sharing.
Such a lovely post that you have created for your grandson, Andy. I remember the song by The Carpenters. I didn't realize his condition was that serious if you called a funeral home at the time. What a difficult time that must have been for you, Sandie. I love that you are still together, and I love even more that you realize that it has always been a gift from God.
~Sheri
Beautiful lyrics to beautiful songs. It sounds to me like you are very, very rich in the best way.
I love this post! We have been married for 56 years. And I remember both of these songs really well! I am glad he is asking you about this, wanting to learn from the older generation is rare and wonderful nowadays!
Congrats on so many years together! ❣️ I graduated High School in 1974. "We've Only Just Begun" was our classes theme song. That sure brings back memories. 🥰
As others have said, God needs to be the cornerstone of the marriage, when hard times come and they will, He's the one to cling to.
You have been blessed to have 51 years. We are working on 62! Lots of "water under the bridge" for all those years.
Your Grandson is wise to watch and ask you about your marriage. He definitely wants to emulate it.
Great post today.
Sue
I knew the song was "We've Only Just Begun" as soon as you mentioned a song for your wedding. Perfect song sung beautifully by Karen Carpenter. (Did you know she was an excellent drummer too? So gifted.) I love Neil Diamond too! How lovely your grandson wants to emulate your long and happy life as a married couple.
What a wonderful post.
Bless you and your husband and my warmest congratulations on 51 years.
All the best Jan
What a wonderful story and wonderful songs. Both have such meaning. Happy Anniversary and many many more. Janice
This is such a beautiful post, Sandie! Good advice for Andy and for all. Blessings to you and hubby on that 52nd anniversary coming up!! xo
What a beautiful story you and your husband have. You're a great role model for your grandson. Marriage isn't easy and it takes a lot of compromise. I didn't make it the first time. My husband walked out after 21 years.
Your grandson is lucky to have you as role models. We’ve been married over 61 years. I think long term relationships are the best. So much shared history and caring.
I'm so happy you and your hubby were mature enough to keep your eyes on what matters most. Perfect role models for Andy and Shaye! Both of these songs are wonderful!
Happy and Blessed Anniversary, Sandie and Rick! You've been so blessed by the Lord, and now you have the benefit of sharing all you've learned through marriage with the younger generation. Let's hope they have the wisdom to listen! Hope to get together sooner than later, and thanks for your comment on my blog. I have responded. Blessings always!
That is sweet that he has notice your relationship and has asked you questions. Yes, that is a lovely song. Seriously, you actually called the funeral home. OMG, he must have been very sick. That was nice advice for him. I've never heard that song before. Thanks for sharing.
Lasting love is truly a gift, in this day and age, and rare.
Wonderful post. I so enjoyed reading it this afternoon. I know your grandchildren (and the generations to come) will be blessed by your testimony and example of commitment, faithfulness and a life well built together!!
Sandie what a truly wonderful post. 51 years is amazing. Both songs I clicked...the first one was always special to me and the second Dick and I listened together...so beautiful. Neil Diamond had so many exceptional songs. This one brings a tear to my eye. Hope you have a wonderful day. Hugs!
Happy Anniversary 51 years 😯 it’s a beautiful post and nice songs the one of Neil Diamond is so beautiful reminds me of our youth.
Hello Sandie,
Well, this is a wonderful tribute to your marriage and your grandson. 51 years is no mean feat, particularly when 51 weeks can be a long time in some marriages. It makes our 45 years only a signpost along the way.
it is very important in life to understand that every problem does have some kind of solution. It may not be easy, or pleasant or quick but one can work through things, especially if one reaches out to others. It is sad when people think that a day has to be perfect to be enjoyed since perfection, in our view, is often a poor goal. Good enough and being grateful for the good enough is a secret for success. Keep on keeping on.
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Your advice about being grateful and recognizing that life cycles and things will change is so practical and wise. Thank you for sharing your history and these deep, loving insights.
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