Happy Heavenly Anniversary
Happy Heavenly Anniversary to the love of my life for the past 59 years. This was one of the best days of my life, now it’s the saddest.
Today Rich and I would have been celebrating our 57th wedding anniversary after meeting each other on a blind date two years prior on Christmas day, the two days that have always been so special to us. But instead I’m going through beautiful memories between the tears of how we were married 8 times.
Our first wedding was in 1967, we renewed our vows on July 29, 1992 on our 25th anniversary and I wore my daughter’s wedding gown! From then on we had our marriage blessed and vows renewed every 5 years. 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017, 2022 and how we were looking forward to 2027 to celebrate 60 beautiful years of marriage together.
In 2017 we went back to upstate New York and the Priest blessed our marriage of 50 years in the same church we were married at. We even took our pictures outside in the same place.
For my 50th anniversary blessing I carried an old handkerchief that was my mom’s, dad’s bible from back when he was in World War 2 and a lucky penny. My sister surprised me with the beautiful 50th Anniversary plate that had been a gift to my mom and dad on their 50th anniversary!
There is a beautiful rose garden in Schenectady where we had our wedding pictures taken and we went there before Mass for our 50th anniversary. The gardener was there and I mentioned how we had our photos taken here 50 years ago and we were heading to have our marriage blessed at St. Anthony’s. He cut this beautiful white rose for me to carry.
I don’t remember all the dates but every anniversary I would put on my wedding gown that my grandmother made and would model it for Rich. Since Lia was born she got in the on the action too. Way back then Rich even made sure I had a rose.
CREDITS: The Crystals – Then He Kissed Me (Lyrics) (From Money Heist Season 5 Vol 2)
This is a picture last year of our 56th wedding anniversary, one that I will hold so close to my heart always. It’s the last anniversary we celebrated together.
I love you so much Rich and not sure why our true love story had to end so abruptly but you are forever in my heart. Until we meet again……
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful wedding photos.
Glad you enjoyed them Amanda.
Martha, what a beautiful and touching tribute to Rich and your incredible love story. I’m so moved by the way you celebrated your love over the years, renewing your vows and keeping those special traditions alive. The story of the white rose from the gardener on your 50th anniversary is just magical.
It’s clear that your bond with Rich was truly special, and I can only imagine how difficult this day must be for you. Your memories and photos are such a testament to the deep love you shared. Sending you warm thoughts and a big virtual hug on this bittersweet day. Rich’s love clearly lives on in your heart and in these beautiful memories you’ve shared with us.
P.S. I love the blue butterfly. <3
Thank you for your kind words Safrianna. It’s the memories that we have made over the past 59 years that will keep me going and keep Rich alive in my heart. So, so many more to share.
I am tearful reading this, Martha!! (((hugs))) I also enjoyed your anniversary posts each year and getting to wish you a happy anniversary these last several years. I’m so sorry that you and Rich are not together today. Love you, Martha!
Thank you Jeanine, Rich and I will always be together in spirit until we reunite. I know he is watching over and guiding his family.
Sending you a big hug Martha. You have my number. If you want to talk I am here. Matt and I lift you up in prayer.
Thank you so much Amanda. Hugs to you and Matt.
I love that you keep trying on your wedding dress. It’s a way to relive the ceremony and the day. Beautiful. And how touching that the gardener cut that stunning white rose for you. I love thinking about the love you shared with Rich, and for so long. So inspiring! Love and hugs–
Thank you so much Kebba. Our love was and still is so strong and I know Rich is watching over his family.
Awww, Martha… “Why”?
Remember the intro to “Sleepless in Seattle”? Sam Baldwin and his son Jona are at the funeral of their wife / mother.
Daddy says to his son “Mommy got sick. And it happened just like that. There was nothing anybody could do. It isn’t fair. There’s no reason. But if we start asking why, we’ll go crazy.”
I am so sorry the two of you didn’t make it to 60 years. Your love story certainly deserves it.
Rich has been watching you from above, I’m sure, and he wished he would be with you ♥
Thank you Tamara, I still keep asking why and was there a sign I missed earlier. But I know he is now at peace and pain free. He was with us in Cherokee, as soon as I say the beautiful blue butterfly I knew Rich was with us. Day by day I’m getting through this nightmare.