September 4, 1976

Barb and I have now been married for 32 years! I often wonder how she has put up with me for so long. But I am very thankful she has. They have been a great 32 years.

This year our anniversary began like most days in our home. I walked outside and Barb put in her time on the treadmill in our basement. She won't like me posting it, but here she is watching the news as she walks.We spent some time reflecting on our 32 years of marriage as we shared a cup of piping hot Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla coffee after we had each finished our respective walks. We are so thankful for our four sons (and three lovely daughters-in-law), for the churches and ministries we have served in New Mexico, Florida, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. We are thankful for God's sustaining grace which enabled us to face some difficult challenges over the years. The loss of Barb's dad, a time of severe depression, the "accident", all our moves, my dad's heart attack and my parent's car accident, and so many other instances, all reminded us of how important it has been to able to trust in the strong arms of a loving Heavenly Father!

At lunchtime Barb took me to our nearby Ruby Tuesday's for some soup and salad. We ate light since a big night out was planned. Here is Barb just before we entered the restaurant.

As evening approached we purchased Shawn his favorite Subway sub and then Barb and I were off to celebrate our 32nd anniversary in style. We began with dinner at Peppercorn's Grill in downtown Hartford. This is a wonderful Italian restaurant which I found after searching the internet. It is also close to the the theater where we would be heading next. Here are some pictures from dinner. We enjoyed an awesome meal together. We began with bread and olive oil, followed by house salads and bruschetta. Barb had grilled salmon and I had grilled chicken, with Italian vegetables and roasted potatoes. For dessert Barb had Taramisu and I had a couple of homemade chocolate truffles and fresh fruit. We both enjoyed a couple of cups of decaf coffee to wash it down. After spending a couple of hours at dinner we walked a few blocks to the Bushnell Theater for the Perfoming Arts where we saw the musical, Spamalot.
It was a wonderful day that left me with an overwhelming sense of gratefulness that Barb said yes 32 years ago and agreed to become my wife. I am hopeful God's grace will allow us many additional years but it has already been a wonderful "life" as we have served our Lord together and committed our marriage, our children and our family to His purpose. Thanks Barb, and thank you, my Heavenly Father.