Family a mutual priority

My husband Tom and I had a storybook start to a marriage that has lasted 52 years. As he is quick to say, “She was morning kindergarten, and I was afternoon. We did not get well acquainted until first grade!”

We both grew up in Benton, Illinois, a delightful small town of around 6,000 people. Our families knew each other. Tom and I went to school together through our college years. We married in 1968.

Our first of many tests came when Tom was drafted and sent to Vietnam. Through the ordeal, our love grew stronger. After his return, we began a family, with a daughter first, followed by two sons. In 1986 we moved across the country to Albuquerque, which began our biggest adventure. We wanted our children to experience different cultures, environments and opportunities our move afforded them.

Tom and I never regretted our decision to move to New Mexico. We have made many dear friends. I had a wonderful nursing career here and Tom practiced law. Our children were raised in Albuquerque schools, went to college, and eventually met their spouses. We now have seven wonderful grandchildren.

There is no secret to our long marriage. We have suffered trials, illness, loss, along with many joys and blessings. God has guided and sustained our family. Our marriage is built on respect, loyalty, shared values and trust. Our family is a mutual priority. We both recognized and acknowledged that together we could do anything we needed to do to support our family.

We always spend time together whether golfing, skiing or just sharing a movie. We have weathered the pandemic together and continue to try to keep safe and healthy. We look forward to celebrating our 53rd anniversary on June 20, 2021! Cheers to many more years!