On the eve of our 45th wedding anniversay I'd like to reflect on the moments in life where a significant change takes place. These events mark a point in time where your life changes forever. You don't know it at the time, but hindsight is revealing.
Yes, April 2, 1960 defines our wedding. For me, I remember meeting Shelby in September, 1954. We were members of a "float committee" designing a decorated wagon for the Homecoming parade. Shelby volunteered her home as a place to plan our entry. We were freshmen in high school, tremendously insecure and impressionable. For some reason I remember the girl in a sparkling white blouse with a flashy smile. As Oprah would say, "it was a magic moment". I was smitten.
What followed was high school romance. Chuckie from downtown Plymouth living above the City Club Rooms. Shelby, a good catholic girl living in the ideal family house up on the hill. Rich people lived up there. I made many trips up that hill. Going together during high school reduces many anxieties. Homecoming and Prom are givens. Throw in the oldsmobile convertible and you have very special times.
Commiting to college was important for me, but not a magic moment. The eminent arrival of Deborah Kay was! Life took on a needed direction. My studying to be a high school math teacher turned to pursing an engneering degree at Marquette. That was significant because it served as the basis for my life career. Shelby's folks made the schooling possible. And then there was Debbie. She changed the life certainly of Shelby and Chuck, but also the whole Steger clan. She represented the energy of life. She got lots of special attention. All first borns do.
The coming of Kelly and Chris over the next few years were no less joyous. They made life very busy and meaningful. The next magic moment that changed my life, however, was starting at Vollrath Company becaue it was a journey that would let me gain confidence and grow personally. The money wasn't bad either. It was a special 17 years.
During the Vollrath years, Paul and Margaret appeared on the scene. They were kind of like a second family becaue they were distant from the "early three kids". If you don't do it right the first time, you get a second chance.
I would say that buying our first cottage was a magic moment. It served as the basis for more than 25 years of family entertainment. The boats, the rafts, the family "get togethers". It was a catalyst for our lives. I think that every child has his/her memories of the cottages.
I'm not sure moving to Appleton and starting employment at Ripon Foods is a magic moment. It did signify the bridge that got us from Vollrath/Sheboygan to retirement/Appleton.
It has been a journey. It all began with Shelby. Life is meant to be shared and I can't think of a better life partner. We had tremendous early years filled with infatuation, then years of building a family and the joy in watching the growth of each child.
For all the times that Shelby felt she was raising the kids alone, for the times that she needed a much need "break" and I wasn't listening and for never being the dance partner she yearned for, I hope she forgives me. I have never stopped loving her and she has made my life complete.
So you see, anniversary dates mark time but it is "magic moments" and special people that define life. Shelby has been the one constant in my life and I have never doubted her support and trust. She has given her life to me. What else is there?
Love,
Dad(Just Chas.)
Oh my god, I think I just cried a little *sniff*.
I know that I am very blessed to have you for my Dad. (And Mom). If it wasn't for the support and help in my "troubled" times from you and mom, I wouldn't be where I am today.
There will be alot more laughing, and family antics to come. What a great recipe for more memories. Happy 45th anniversary Mom and Dad!
Love you!!!!
*******SMILING*********
I couldn't be prouder. This family has been truely blessed with parents like you two.Happt Anniversary!
Love,
Christopher C.