Twenty-five years ago today, July 30, 1988, at 10:30 in the morning I married my best friend, best buddy, confidante, and partner for life Bill Stuart. It was a very simple, beautiful ceremony in the backyard of my parents’ antebellum style home in my south Georgia hometown. We wanted an outdoor wedding and knowing how brutal south Georgia summers can be, we planned it for the morning. I remember vividly that the temperature at 10:00 that morning was already approaching 100 degrees but I never felt that because I was floating on the layer of air just below my feet. And 25 years later, I still am.
When Bill and I met, I was 30 years old, divorced with an 8-year-old daughter. He was 23. And at first, I wouldn’t go out with him because of that age difference. How could he, a single never married 23-year-old, possibly “get” a 30-year-old with a child? But he did. He’s always been wise beyond his years and it didn’t take long for him to show me that our age difference really wasn’t going to be a problem. I thank God every day of my life that he kept coming back to convince me that our relationship would work no matter what our ages were. And today, I never even think about it. I haven’t since the day we got married.
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How do you thank someone for 25 years? For investing the better part of their life to spend it with you? When Bill and I met I was a mess from bad decisions I’d made in my young adulthood. He loved me enough to help me put those things behind me and to put myself back together both financially and emotionally. He took on me and my daughter happily, even eagerly, and we became a real family. Bill has never thought of Laura as his step-daughter. She has always belonged to him in his heart and always will. And her children are as much his grandchildren as if his own blood ran in their veins. He would literally walk through fire for the three of them and I love him all the more for it.
And I’m going to tell y’all something I very rarely, almost never, talk about. In the 28 years we’ve known each other we’ve never had a fight. Never. Oh, we don’t always agree on everything but we’ve just never found any disagreement important enough to exchange unkind words. We simply agree to disagree. Now, why don’t I talk about it? Well…few couples can say that they’ve never had a fight. And what if I lose my temper one day and mess up that record…I’m not sure I could stand it. And besides, no one has ever believed me when I’ve said it :-) But it’s the truth.
I wish all of you could know my Bill. He’s an exceptionally intelligent, funny, generous, and charming man who deserves everything good in life. Here’s to a wonderful 25 years together, sweetie. I can not wait to see what the next 25 brings! I love you so.
Congratulations on your 25th. I too married my best friend. We were happily married for 59 years and I lost him this past May. I feel as though I am missing part of myself. Treasure each other every day that you have.
Couldn’t keep from tearing up reading this. Couldn’t ask for a better man for you to share your life with. Love you both.
What a beautiful couple. A real Fairy Tale I’d say.
Congratulations! I got lost in the picture of you and Bill as he held your chin on your wedding day! Your eyes said it all…I’m yours, Bill! The picture of the 3 of you on that same day is priceless! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings and God’s grace on your lives! Katy
Happy Anniversary to an amazing couple and to 25 more years of happiness!
Your story gave me goosebumps. Congratulations to you both. And I wish you many more years of wedded bliss
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!! What a great life you have given each other and the daughter you two share. Good thing you didn’t let the age stop you from a great decision!! Who made those rules anyway? Many more years of happiness!!
A most hearty congratulations!
You brightened my day! Happy anniversary!
That’s a sweet story, lucky for both of you to have found each other. My husband and I have been married for 22 years, can’t say we have NEVER had a fight, I can be pretty passionate about things and he can too, but we have always made our way back to reason and agreeing to disagree. He is also 7 years my junior, but I don’t think that has any bearing on anything, he’s my main supporter and also the love of my life.
Congratulations on 25 years and may you have many more.
How lovely….congratulations to you both. Well, all three as I’m sure your daughter has been brought much happiness being surrounded by your love.
Lana that was one of the sweetest “love” stories I have every read. Perhaps it made it even more special because I know Bill. I love receiving your emails and reading your blog! Please tell Bill hello from south Georgia!
I wish you all a wonderful life together.
Aww…how so very sweet. Here’s to many more years Lana and Bill!
What a beautiful story. Happy anniversary.