It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since life took a wild and crazy turn. How could anyone prepare for something that ends up being even better than their wildest dreams? Meeting HHH (Hubba-Hubba-Hubby) changed everything for one healing widow living on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada. And, it pretty much rocked the world of one healing widower, as well.
Year one was a beautiful surprise. It was full of late-night conversations, long walks, dating, and simple happiness in getting to know one another. Discovering a man who just “got” me was a game-changer. We found ourselves laughing at the silliest things. HHH listened wholeheartedly with patience, curiosity, and kindness. As our love story unfolded, it was like watching a favorite Rom Com in real time. Every day felt like a new chapter, and that first year was magical.
After one full year of dating, HHH proposed. The details will remain sealed forever, but most of the day, I thought he was going to tell me things weren’t working out. Silly, because the previous 365 days couldn’t have been better. He was one ball of nerves, not knowing what my reply would be. Looking back, it makes the memories all the sweeter.
Over the past three years, I’ve known two girlfriends who had no intention of re-marrying. NEVER, NOT EVER. Widowed, they couldn’t imagine moving forward with someone else. However, both found the RIGHT Mr. Someone. As I help Miss Love Bird prepare her wedding, it takes me back to the excitement of our own wedding in October, 2023.
Oh, the beauty of our wedding! Planning it together wasn’t just about the event itself, but about all the little decisions that reflected who we are and what we love. The church (our favorite place) was the starting point, and from there, everything blossomed. There was laughter, mini-disasters that somehow became inside jokes, and details debated over breakfast. It was joyful chaos, but above all, it was ours. The Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse started the day off right and was something that’ll stay in my memory forever.
Family and friends arrived, dropping in to enjoy pictures before the big event. With hair curled and a bouquet that looked like it was picked from an English garden, we headed for the church. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, I walked down the aisle to my forever. Exchanging vows in that sacred space, surrounded by love, it felt like the world stopped spinning just for a moment.
Over time, we’ve become closer as our lives have intertwined. New friendships have entered our lives like unexpected flowers in our ever-growing garden. Literally and figuratively, our gardens have grown. Patches of earth have become our shared canvas as each plant has become a metaphor of our life together. Marriage in our golden years has been nurturing, patient, sometimes messy, and overflowing with hope.
There’s something quietly magical about waking up every day with someone who turns even the most ordinary moments into an adventure. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip to Lowe’s, Sunday morning with pancakes, or just deadheading in the garden, everything we’ve experienced is a gift. We have a life of joy stitched together with the little things that, in the end, turn out to be BIG. These past three years have been, without a doubt, the best years I could’ve ever asked for.
So now, with hearts full and hands held tight, we’re going to celebrate! Not just anniversaries or milestones, but us and this wild, beautiful, ever-evolving journey we’re on together.
To HHH: Thank you for being my person, my partner, my home, my love. Here’s to everything we’ve shared and everything that’s still to come. ❤️Now, get in the car! We’ve got some celebrating to do!
As for the rest of you, have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back Monday.