Indulge me a little today.
I’m not nearly as nervous this morning as I was 40 years ago today—July 6, 1984.
In fact, I’m not nervous today at all.
On that day, 40 years ago, about 300 people—all connected through family or friendship—gathered at the First Baptist Church of Canyon, Texas to celebrate the marriage of Gerry Lewis and Eva Dee Priddy.
I was plenty nervous that day. The pictures and video, as well as the memories of those present, recorded that it was a beautiful day, and a lovely ceremony.
But, I’ve got to be completely honest:
BEING married to her has been indescribably amazing for 14,611 days (and counting).
GETTING married?
I’m glad I only spent 1 day doing that!
In 40 years, we’ve lived in 4 houses, owned 18 vehicles, been members of 8 churches, gotten 3 masters degrees and 1 doctorate, had 5 dogs and 3 cats, birthed and raised 2 kids, celebrated the marriages of both kids, added five grandchildren to the family, traveled 30 states and 8 countries, added five grandchildren to the family (no, it wasn’t an accident that I mentioned that twice), gained too many friends along the way to count, and had two retirement parties.
We’ve also lost all but one of our parents, lost many of those friends (some by death and some by hard choices), had life significantly adjusted by an MS diagnosis and the resulting long term disability, and walked through more than a few hard days.
We’ve been Gerry & Eva Dee, Mom & Dad, Dr. & Mrs. Sweetie, and Grandpa & Sweetie.
It’s been quite a trip.
I wrote a song with the intent of singing it at our wedding, but I chickened out and didn’t sing it for her until a few years later.
The chorus:
“Hand in hand, we’re in His handsAs day by day we travelWe won’t know the answer‘Til we’ve walked the road with HimThe treasure that we find will be worth all the timeThat we spent making sure of our foundationJesus is the One that my love is based uponAnd I’m determined to spend my life with Him and you”
That has truly been the story of the last 40 years, and I’m signed up for as many more years as God gives us.
To my Sweetie, my Mrs., my partner in crime, my travel companion—I wouldn’t want to go on this journey with anyone else and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Happy 40th anniversary!
To our kids and grands—yours is a legacy of love that has endured and learned to thrive through some STUFF and you are the best part of us.
To all who have shared this journey with us—you are treasured. Let’s keep it rolling! Be amazing!
And to our Savior, King, Friend, Guide, Companion, Source, Sustainer—may we always love You more than we love each other. And may our lives, individually and together, demonstrate your love and grace.
