For those of you who remembered our 46th wedding anniversary, a sincere thank you for all the congratulatory messages. For those of you who didn't remember, it is too late to apologize. Some of you Grasshoppers will be dis-inherited and Ryan Eisenhardt will be adopted. Can you believe Ryan personally conveyed his congratulations.
My bride and I celebrated by dining out and exchanging "cards". Actually she misplaced her card to me and I've got to wait until she finds it. I've got a lot of jokes that could be offered here, but I refrain.
I do remember our wedding day, April 2, 1960. I was a student at UW-Oshkosh studying to be a math teacher and looking forward to a lifetime of financial riches. Yeah, right. Our lifetime commitment was made on a weekend. No trips to the Bahamas. No excursions to Europe. Nope. I had to be back in school by Monday morning.
I got home from school on Friday night, stayed at home (City Club) and looked forward to Saturday's events. I remember having a black suit that fit kind of funny but it had to do. I got dressed Saturday morning and wandered down to the bar room in search of someone that could help me with my tie. Chuck Andes was available. He gave me instructions on how to do a "double knot". I remember patrons of the City Club launching a series of jokes about marriage and laughter abounded.
We got married in the Plymouth Catholic Church Rectory at around 11:00 AM. The rectory? Yep, small and intimate. The Priest was Father Ziegler. He was elderly and rather perfunctory in his approach. I don't know why, but I remember the rectory was decorated rather blandly and it seemed musty. As sunlight streamed in the windows, I could see dust mites drifting on the rays.
Attending the ceremony were George and Lyla, Grandma Alice and her dad, Jiggs. I think Addie and Jerry Lee were present. Chuck and Myrna where there. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone! Maybe Aunt Francis?
You get the picture. Two 19 years olds ready to face everything that the world had to offer.
The actual marriage ceremony was short. I don't think I missed any of the "lines" that you repeat after the Priest. We exchanged gold band wedding rings.
Your mom says she remembers the kiss after the Priest said "you may kiss the bride". She said it wasn't your average peck on the lips. It was a long passionate kiss. That kiss sealed the deal. Together forever! Does anyone really understand the enormity of the commitment?
We had an intimate dinner at Riverdale in Sheboygan and mostly family attended. It was one of those April days with clouds and sun alternating thoughout the day. A reception was held back in Plymouth at George and Lylas.
We borrowed George and Lylas black Pontiac Bonneville with the 400 cube engine and positraction drive for our wedding night. Why is it I can remember every detail about the car?
After a one night get-away to exotic, romantic Fond du lac, Wisconsin it was back to our regular routine. Shelby went back to Mooney and Mooney law offices on Monday morning. I was back at class in Oshkosh.
I do remember thinking on my way back to Oshkosh "what did we do"?
So 46 years together began with a memorable kiss. Each year is a gift. There are many, many special memories. Somehow it all worked out. So to my bride, Happy Anniversary. Thanks for the kiss!
Love,
Dad
ok, Ryan is so not our favorite cousin anymore. Oh and if Ryan only knew that 1/5 of nothing...is still nothing.
Hey and your own bride forgot where she put her card....and we are getting chastized?