A Wedding Anniversary

Today is my 28th Wedding Anniversary! Picture this: July 14, 1984. The island of Oahu, Hawaii. A beautiful park on Oahu's North Shore, Waimea Falls Park. A bride wearing a haku lei (ring of flowers around her head). The groom wearing white slacks and a black and white floral Aloha shirt. There is a little Hawaiian lady playing a ukelele. The wedding guests are attired in Aloha wear. A group of the groom's friends, submarine sailors all, arrive in matching shorts and shirts. The grove where there ceremony takes place is peaceful and green, filled with tropical foliage and bird song. A glorious day.

Today, I am here at home alone. My husband is, ironically, in Hawaii, training submariners.  We have endured many anniversaries apart over the years, especially during his active-duty Navy service. But that does not in any way diminish the celebration, or the solid marriage. We mark the years in other ways, every day. As we vowed to each other at our wedding, we will love each other as long as the sun rises.