March Is OUR Month!

Do you remember what you were doing on this day five years ago? Two years ago? For some of us to remember what we did last Tuesday, we may have to pause and think, What did I do last Tuesday? For sure, mundane events that circumvent or invade our lives every day can make remembering a bit taxing, but there are some things that one should make every effort to remember: appointments, dinner invites, family get-togethers, birthdays, and of course… anniversaries! I realize that for many the word anniversary could mean a whole lot of things. Exciting, momentous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and such. And sometimes the word stirs up sad memories, tears may fall, and a deep sigh of longing happens when the calendar is flipped and a certain date appears. Life does that to us all from time to time. But on a happier note, let me share some anniversary memories that are engraved in my grey matter, I’m sure, for ever!

April 12, 1960: the anniversary Doug and I began going steady (a rather archaic expression for the current generation!).

High School Prom 1962

October 5, 1962: the anniversary of the first time Doug said, ‘I love you!’ We were in the middle of the dance floor at Casa Loma in Toronto.

October 1, 1964: the anniversary of Doug asking, “Will you marry me?” We were in his car in front of my parents’ home (who were waiting for me to burst in the front door brandishing the third finger of my left hand…they were in the know!) The ring was in a Cracker Jack Box. Doug explained that it wasn’t a real diamond but asked if it would do until he could afford a real one.  I didn’t care. I was engaged! Before letting me rush into the house and tell my parents, he handed me another gift. A bottle of diamond cleaner. It took a few seconds for it to register and then I threw my arms around him and started to cry! Of course, they were tears of happiness, utter joy and extreme excitement. And did I say love? Immense love!

I’m quite sure some of you may be thinking this is a great topic for February, for Valentines, hearts and love and all that. But March is our month! Our 59th anniversary on the 27th stirs up so many memories that I felt a light-hearted blog would be just fine during this unexpected cold spell. Of course, this is not to minimize the tragedies throughout the world, and yes, your valuable time taken to read such frivolous information; I get that. But I truly believe that memories of happy moments in one’s life help the soul to rise above the sad ones, and celebrating an anniversary does that for me. And it just might cause you to think back and remember! Try it. It can be a lot of fun!

Oh, and by the way, last Tuesday I was at the dentist.