Happy Anniversary to the Love of my Life!
Seventeen years ago (April 5, 1992), I married the man I know I was destined to go through my life with. We met unexpectedly, our courtship was brief, and today we’re more deeply in love than we were when we were married 17 years ago.
A few years ago, I published our Love Story on my website, for those of you who are interested in reading it. Quite a few of you already know the story, but there are some others who might want to know how we met. You can read it here.
Also, last year, I spent a lot of time creating a video/slide show highlighting sixteen years of our marriage. I’m not going to create a new one until we reach 20 years *grin*, so if you want to check it out (and see some pretty bad hair styles), you can view it here.
Steve’s working tomorrow, so we won’t be able to celebrate until Monday or Tuesday. I’m not sure what we’ll do, but if the weather’s nice, our plans might include a scenic drive and perhaps a picnic lunch. We don’t do gifts or cards - those things are not important to us. What’s important to us is just being “US”.
Happy Anniversary to my darling Steve! Thank you for loving me, standing beside me, keeping me safe, and laughing with me. I look forward to a lifetime of adventures with you. I love you always.
The following quotation is from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and quite fitting for this special day:
Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.
~Louis de Bernieres (”Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”)
In closing, I want to say “Thank You” to John and Shirley for the lovely Anniversary card! It is beautiful and it traveled all the way to Alaska just in time (today!). Thank you also for the lovely letter you included. I am so happy that we had the opportunity to “meet”, even if only through cyberspace. Love to you both!
Thank you also, brother Steve and SIL Dee, for your card. It arrived yesterday as well. We miss you both tremendously and hope that you can come to Alaska for a visit soon.
Babydoll,
You’re the love of my life. I’m so glad I picked up your letter in the fall of 1990 in Saudi Arabia. We’ve shared a lot of memories and we still have memories to make. Thank you for being there for me. I’ll love you forever, loving you always.
Steve
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 5th, 2009 at 6:35 am
My darling Steve,
You are the most amazing husband, father, partner and friend. How incredible that we were lead to each other more than 18 years ago. I am convinced it was meant to be! I love you more today than ever, and I know my love for you will continue to strengthen with each passing day. ~Always your Babydoll
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Comment by Steve — April 5, 2009 @ 6:26 am
You two are a great example of the love mentioned in your blog. Thank you for sharing love with the rest of us.
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 5th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Thank you, Charles. And you, too, are blessed to be sharing your life with your wonderful Moe (and vice-versa!). Life is so wonderful when we make the journey with our perfect mate. Many more years of love and happiness to you both!
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Comment by Charles — April 5, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Dear Susan and Steve I just read your April 4th Journal and seen your very Beautiful Wedding Photo
All I can say is What a Wonderful Couple I am one of many that has read your Journal on how you two have met Again What a wonderful story I will say it is A Marriage Made in Heaven We are so happy to have the Pleasure in knowing you both Even if it is thru the Internet I love reading your Journal and Viewing your pictures As many as said You bring out the Beauty of Alaska to us that can’t get up there
As I have said it many times Susan and Steve Always stay as Happy as you both were on your Wedding Day
An old song I’ve got My Love To Keep Me Warm
You both are so much Welcome in receiving the Anniversary Card and a Little note with it It is just how we feel about you both I want to Thank You both for being our very good friends Just keep the Journal
going and also the pictures
We Also Love You Both John and Shirley
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Thank you John and Shirley. We hope that our marriage lasts as long as yours has! Love to you both! xoxoxxo
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Comment by John & Shirley Strauser — April 5, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
Congradulations! And great story.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary this May. He too was in Saudi in ‘90/’91 Our story was a little different in that I knew him from church (I was still a senior in high school at the time) and we still think it’s “interesting” how out of all the youth group letters sent to him, mine was the only one he got and I was the only one that got a reply. We started dating after he came home to visit his parents while on leave. Three years, alot of phone calls and letters later, we got married!
And this year we’re celebrating with a cruise to Alaska, which I’m very excited about–always wanted to go up there. Unfortunately we aren’t going TOO far, he didn’t have tons of vacation time so we’re doing a short one to Ketchikan and back. But it’ll still be fun.
Tracy
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Congratulations on your marriage too - and the way your relationship came to be!
How exciting about your cruise to Alaska. I’m sure you will have a marvelous time. If you’re looking for things to do while in Ketchikan, and want to save a little money - check out the TripAdvisor forums online. Many times the cruise companies charge a premium for land excursions, and you can get the same excursion by booking on your own - for less money.
You’ll have to let me know how your vacation is!
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Comment by Tracy — April 5, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
Hey Susan,
XOXOXO
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! You too are so perfect together. I’m glad I have been so lucky to see the love that you two share in person. Untill someone see’s it in person, they can not truly grasp how much love is in between the two of you. I would only be so lucky to have a long and happy marriage like ya’ll. Congrats!!! I love you both.
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 7th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Thank you, Kayla. Your dad is a wonderful man, and I am blessed to be sharing my life with him!
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Comment by ~Kayla Melton~ — April 6, 2009 @ 2:45 am
Awwwwww!!!!!!!!!! Happy Anniversary you two! Enjoy your time with eachother!
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 7th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Thanks, Lynn!
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Comment by Lynn in MN — April 6, 2009 @ 8:53 am
You know…I never thought of booking my own excursion through someone else other than the cruise! I think we’re just doing 1 big tour then spending the day looking around, shopping, taking pictures–I’m looking forward to soaking up the greenery, mountains, and cooler weather while we can.
I don’t even care if it rains which I hear it probably will–I actually miss the rain sometimes. LOL We both grew up in western Washington and are now in the DFW are in TX with summer soon on it’s way.
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Comment by Tracy — April 6, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
Happy Happy Day guys! I can always read the love and respect you have for each other through your posts Susan and it’s so refreshing and wonderful. I hope your next 17 is even better than the first 17!! Enjoy your time together!
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 7th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Thank you, Susan. We’re celebrating today since Steve had to work. We’re taking a scenic drive up to Chena Hot Springs Resort for lunch. Last night, Steve BBQ up some delicious steaks. It’s grill-season in Alaska FINALLY!
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Comment by Another Susan — April 6, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Happy Anniversary!!! Your love story is so sweet and romantic. I started reading your blog after stumbling upon it trying to find out about life in AK. I feel very blessed to have found you online. I have enjoyed looking at your beautiful photos and your stories always move me. I was moved to tears when I saw Steve and Kayla’s reunion. I too was separated from my father for years because of divorce and relocation, but now am reunited with my dad and it is great. I am sad for what we have lost, but only look toward the future we have. So happy for all of you!! And that grandson of yours is adorable. I love the book you made of your visit. Sorry I have not commented sooner, been extremely busy getting house ready to sell. I think it should be listed later this week and if lucky we will sell and be on our way to AK this summer! Blessings to you and Steve.
Jenny in PA
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susanstevenson Reply:
April 7th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Hi Jenny, and thanks for commenting. I am happy to hear that your were able to reunite with your father and have a relationship with him. It is wise not to look back and be sad, but to enjoy each moment as it unfolds.
I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way that your house sells quickly, so you can realize your dream of moving to Alaska!
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Comment by Jenny — April 7, 2009 @ 1:51 am
Hi Susan,
What a great story you two have. Sometime I’ll tell my Alaska love story. Mine started in Colorado on a blind date.
Pearl and I love your photography. You do beautiful work. I’m doing some freelance writing. I love the creative outlet the blog format offers.
I know you will never regret making Alaska home.
Vicki and Pearl of Nabesna
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Comment by VOP — April 10, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
Happy Anniversary you two love birds! I know this is late, so sorry, but wanted to send it anyway. I hope to be able to meet Steve someday.
He seems a lot like my darling hubby. We’re so fortunate, huh!
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Comment by Lea Ann — April 16, 2009 @ 8:45 am