What is the perfect anniversary gift? Is it that trip you've been longing for or diamonds or maybe it's something else?
The Ultimate Anniversary Gift
Mary Thurman Yuhas
During the early sixties on a hot July day in a smallish town in western Illinois, Sandi, then a seventeen-year-old bride and Les, her twenty-four-year old husband-to-be, spoke their wedding vows. Unknown to the young couple, family and friends quietly speculated whether or not the unlikely pair would make it over the long haul. Had their guests voted, there probably would have been more nays than yeas. You see, back then and even now, they are polar opposites.
Sandi is outgoing, quick-to-speak and spunky. Les is exactly the opposite. Some say Sandi's mother pushed her into an early marriage but Les was always smitten with his beautiful bride.
Their differences grew as time passed, insurmountably some surmised. Throughout their working years, Sandi was tireless and became a high-powered banking exec. Naturally the female powerhouse was well known in Kansas City where they lived and was approached to consider running for political office, an offer she declined. But when Sandi was asked to appear on local TV advertising various products, it was too good to pass up and Sandi added another feather to her cap as she became a local celebrity. Les--who Sandi says was always her biggest cheerleader and the one whose counsel she sought before making any major decision--spent his entire career working in a factory on the line .
Everyone waited for the big announcement. Undoubtedly it would be irreconcilable differences. But the announcement never came and to everyone’s amazement, the pair grew closer.
Two children, six grandchildren and forty-nine years later, they’ve worked out the kinks that every marriage has and are a devoted couple. “I can’t be away from Les for more than a week,” Sandi says without hesitation.
Recently the twosome went on a cruise. Sandi wore a low cut dress─something she says she never does. Before they left their room, she asked Les one of those questions that sends a chill down most married men’s spine. “How do I look?”
Les was quick to respond. “I think you’re a knock out.”
On their anniversary last July─a particularly hot and humid day even by Missouri standards─Sandi was chatting with friends at the communal pool in the campground where they keep their RV. It was around four in the afternoon when Les, unannounced, showed up with a cherry Popsicle. As he handed the icy gift to his wife-of-many-years he said in his deep voice, rich with a Missouri twang, “I was afraid you might be too hot.” And typical of Les' laid-back style, he was completely unaware that following his simple act of love, there wasn’t a dry eye at the pool.
But don’t think this is one-sided relationship. Never say anything negative about Les in front of Sandi, unless of course you are fond of walking into a hornet’s nest.
Both Sandi and Les are quick to say their marriage is not perfect, but both say they are blessed and wouldn’t even want to imagine having gone through life without the other.
What is their secret for a love that despite all odds has grown stronger and stronger over the years?
“I’m still raising her,” Les claims.
“He’s the only one who’d put up with me,” Sandi jokingly answers.
Well, maybe. But I’m betting it’s something else.
***
The Ultimate Anniversary Gift
Mary Thurman Yuhas
During the early sixties on a hot July day in a smallish town in western Illinois, Sandi, then a seventeen-year-old bride and Les, her twenty-four-year old husband-to-be, spoke their wedding vows. Unknown to the young couple, family and friends quietly speculated whether or not the unlikely pair would make it over the long haul. Had their guests voted, there probably would have been more nays than yeas. You see, back then and even now, they are polar opposites.
Sandi is outgoing, quick-to-speak and spunky. Les is exactly the opposite. Some say Sandi's mother pushed her into an early marriage but Les was always smitten with his beautiful bride.
Their differences grew as time passed, insurmountably some surmised. Throughout their working years, Sandi was tireless and became a high-powered banking exec. Naturally the female powerhouse was well known in Kansas City where they lived and was approached to consider running for political office, an offer she declined. But when Sandi was asked to appear on local TV advertising various products, it was too good to pass up and Sandi added another feather to her cap as she became a local celebrity. Les--who Sandi says was always her biggest cheerleader and the one whose counsel she sought before making any major decision--spent his entire career working in a factory on the line .
Everyone waited for the big announcement. Undoubtedly it would be irreconcilable differences. But the announcement never came and to everyone’s amazement, the pair grew closer.
Two children, six grandchildren and forty-nine years later, they’ve worked out the kinks that every marriage has and are a devoted couple. “I can’t be away from Les for more than a week,” Sandi says without hesitation.
Recently the twosome went on a cruise. Sandi wore a low cut dress─something she says she never does. Before they left their room, she asked Les one of those questions that sends a chill down most married men’s spine. “How do I look?”
Les was quick to respond. “I think you’re a knock out.”
On their anniversary last July─a particularly hot and humid day even by Missouri standards─Sandi was chatting with friends at the communal pool in the campground where they keep their RV. It was around four in the afternoon when Les, unannounced, showed up with a cherry Popsicle. As he handed the icy gift to his wife-of-many-years he said in his deep voice, rich with a Missouri twang, “I was afraid you might be too hot.” And typical of Les' laid-back style, he was completely unaware that following his simple act of love, there wasn’t a dry eye at the pool.
But don’t think this is one-sided relationship. Never say anything negative about Les in front of Sandi, unless of course you are fond of walking into a hornet’s nest.
Both Sandi and Les are quick to say their marriage is not perfect, but both say they are blessed and wouldn’t even want to imagine having gone through life without the other.
What is their secret for a love that despite all odds has grown stronger and stronger over the years?
“I’m still raising her,” Les claims.
“He’s the only one who’d put up with me,” Sandi jokingly answers.
Well, maybe. But I’m betting it’s something else.
***