Today is our 46th wedding anniversary. Charlie and I were married in 1966. The Summer had been really hot almost like this one. It was about 95 degrees when the ceremony started at 8 pm. Just as we were repeating our vows, a storm broke. By the time we left the church it was pouring rain.

Charlie was the best thing that ever happened to me and I knew almost from the first time I saw him that he was the man I wanted to marry. We had good times and bad like every couple, but we made it work. We couldnt have children, we lost a farm during the farm crisis, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Charlie was diagnosed with an incurable lung disease. We knew the heartbreak of waiting for a transplant and the thrill of getting it. Through it all we stood by each other. It was a partnership never meant to be broken up. For a reason Ill never understand Charlie died on April 9, 2012.

I think we had/have the kind of marriage God had in mind when he created it. The kind of marriage that should (and will) last for eternity. I want more than anything to be with Charlie, but while Im here I want to honor his memory in every way possible. You have all become very special to me and Id just like to share with you what a great man my Charlie was and to say how sorry I am each of you has also known the joy of having them and the devastation of losing them.

I'm doing everything I can to make this a special day. I won't say "this would have been" our 46th anniversary - the love and the marriage goes on.

Julie