Thirty years ago today, April 16, 1985, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, my sweet husband Ron and I, embarked on a journey that everyone said would never last. We both had been married before. We both entered our new lives together with Ron’s two daughters, Ronda and Mary; and my three children, Tabitha, Amy and Billy. That was a total of five children on a Technical Sargent’s pay in the Air Force. Billy was still a baby, not yet nine months old when we wed. Ron was 36 and I, a young bride of 26.
Family reunion 2003
We did it though, we raised all five kids! Ron retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service to our country. Eventually, as a 100% disabled veteran, he went to college and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and History. We battled Ron’s cancer together, and we conquered and won! To complement our five children, we were even blessed with five fabulous grandchildren!
I worked for years in accounting, doing the company books for many types of businesses, law offices, building contractors, ranches, oil companies, and even a hospital. I already had an Associate Degree in Business Administration, and a few years ago obtained my second Associates Degree in Arts. Now, I am a writer. Life just does not get much better than this.
Thirty years together is surreal. It seems like just yesterday we embarked on this great journey together. We chuckled over our 30th anniversary breakfast together at Cracker Barrel, Ron’s favorite breakfast spot. How could the time have gone so quickly? When did I get so grey? How did we manage to come back to Florida in a full circle of our life together?
Come celebrate with us! Raise a glass and toast us on this happy occasion! Ron and I have finally made it!
Thanks for visiting with me today. I am so glad you could stop by and share in our anniversary! Cheers!
Beautiful! Hugs and fairy dust to you both! 🌼💚🌼
LikeLike
Thank you so much Fairy Queen. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your most welcome Silver 🌼💚🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary! Here’s wishing you 30+ more!!
LikeLike
Thank you very much Lisa! We are counting on it! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary Colleen, wish both of you a very happy day 😀
LikeLike
Thank you Irene! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary to you both, Colleen! What a lovely story! My husband and I are celebrating 34 years together this June, I can’t believe how fast time goes by! xx
LikeLike
I so agree Grace. It seems like it was just yesterday! Happy Anniversary to you both also! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary! Congratualtions!! A awesome occasion to celebrate!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much. It feels good to be here! ❤
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! Love your story.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind wishes! ❤
LikeLike
🎉Happy Anniversary! 🎈Thank you for sharing it. Very uplifting! I hope you have many more blessed years together.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! Ron and I are ready for another 30 years! LOL! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colleen, you touched me to tears! This is a story like a fairy tale. You both simply knew! Your bright shining smile never changed. You are a happy woman and you are aware of the gift you are living. OMG I can’t believe it. This is the most romantic story. Raising 5 kids, getting used to each other and reorder to a big family …. that’s only possible with an incredible amount of love. I am sure there were tough times (next to the challenging cancer battle) I love you for the wonderful feelings you spread with your story and your lovable being! Congratulations to your anniversary! I wish I could kiss and hug you in person. But that way you have to imagine it and I hope you feel it. Much love to both of you!!! 💖
LikeLike
Erika, you brought me to tears too! Thank you for sharing in our wonderful celebration! Ron and I are soul mates too, and have agreed in our next life to find each other sooner, so that we can spend more time together. We are best friends even. All those couples that said we would not make it… they didn’t make it! We always knew in our hearts we were meant to be. Yes, many rough years, but that was long ago. We are always a team and take care of each other. That is the secret. Be polite and care about each other. Thank you for your sweet words. I wish you were here too. Thanks again and hopefully I will meet you this autumn! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you definitely feel like twin souls to me! Nothing to explain – a simple knowing. I too hope we will meet this year. I will definitely get back to you in summer! Have an “awesome” day… lol!!!
LikeLike
Thank you again Erika. Ron is watching baseball and I am writing! Life is fantastic! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds perfect 😀
LikeLike
All the very best to you both 🙂
LikeLike
Richard, thank you for your kind words. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLike
This is such a beautiful journey 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us! It just shows that you can overcome anything, if you’re meant to be together. Wishing you many more happy years to come! Xxx
LikeLike
Thank you! We laugh about it all now. It seems so difficult when you are going through all of it. Now, we finish each others sentences! LOL! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well congratulations to both of you!!
People said that my marriage wouldn’t last either. We are 23 years in and counting 🙂
Perhaps the cynicism of others makes us more determined to prove the doubters wrong eh 🙂
My wife and I are both veterans (UK) so we are all too aware of the extra pressures that a life in service brings. I shall most definitely raise a glass of something to you over the weekend.
Alan
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind wishes and cheers to you both. I was stationed in the U.K. at RAF Lakenheath in the early 80’s. I loved England and it remains dear to my heart today. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Huge Congratulations to you both. Don’t forget my invitation for Ruby and Gold.
xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
David thank you for your sweet invitation! Thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes. Cheers! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
We loved your story, TS. Pawkisses for a Happy Anniversary and 30 Extra for the occasion 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
Thank you for those sweet pawkisses! They are the best. Sugar and Spice send licks and cuddles to you too. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to both of you… God bless… 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for your sweet thoughts. You always bring a smile to my face. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful life story. You’re extraordinary and it’s an honour to know you. To many more happy years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Olga and I hope you raise a glass (anything works) to celebrate with us! We’re ready for another 30 years! ❤
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary to you both and congratulations on 30 years! I hope God gives you many more years of joy, health and happiness together!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Betty! We are ready for another 30! ❤
LikeLike
Oh how wonderful & hearfelt congratulations to you both!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cindy. We’re having a fabulous day! 💖
LikeLike
HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY!!!! What an incredible journey together and a beautiful family you’ve got!
Many many more joyful moments together!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lia. Its been a fun day. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, that’s wonderful congratulations! We’re going on 21 years in a few weeks ourselves.
Amazing how the time flies. But that’s what they say isn’t it? Time flies when you’re having fun.
And when you’re with the right one, it sure is lots of fun 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Norm. That is so true! It’s really fantastic when you are with the one you were meant to be with. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations and happy anniversary. Am raising a ‘virtual’ glass of champagne to you both!
LikeLike
Thank you for the wonderful wishes and the toast! We had an excellent day! ❤
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! What an incredibly special post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. 30 years is quite an accomplishment these days. 🙂 I hope you guys have many more happy years together. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kat. Ron and I are ready for another 30 years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kim! 💖
LikeLike
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to you and Ron. Lifting my glass (clink, clink) to the two of you and thirty more years. Hope you enjoyed your day together and time with your beautiful family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did have a perfect day. Thanks. I miss you Sticks. Glad to hear from you.💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are such an inspiration, Colleen. Here’s to another 30!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kim. You just keep living and loving. 💖😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your anniversary! Having the right husband makes the world of difference. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind wishes. You are so right about how sweet life is with the right spouse. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Accept my heartiest congratulations on this beautiful day of your life!!!
May you have lots of happiness in your life. Thanks for sharing these sweet memories.
Regards
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks nature lover. My best to you also.💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary Colleen! Wish you both many more years of togetherness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ruchi. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary to you and Ron Colleen. I’m so sorry I missed the day. Wishing you both many more years of happiness together with lashings of love, wonderful memories and good health. You’re such a lovely person Colleen and I can only imagine the amount of caring and joy you bring to all your family. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eloise, your kind words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much. We’re ready for another 30! 💖😊💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwww, Wishin you a very happy anniversary and many many more to come! 😄 💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind wishes! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful story and you are blessed with love. So glad you shared this with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you John. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many congratulations to Ron and you on this wonderful milestone, Colleen.
Apologies for being a day late with my message, but I’m guessing you both had an incredible day and are looking forward to at least another 30 years together.
You make a wonderful couple and I am sure bring joy and happiness to the lives of the people you encounter.
With our very best wishes,
Hugh, John and Toby.
xx
LikeLike
My friend Hugh, thank you so much for your kind wishes. We had a perfect day. Today is what we call the “tween day.” Our anniversary is April 16th and my birthday is April 18th! Ron wanted to get married on my birthday, so he would remember both dates! LOL! We agreed on having two separate days. 😀 Actually, it ends up being a week affair with our granddaughter Alexandria’s birthday on April 14th! We just enjoy each other and have fun. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow! What a month for you all then.
I love Ron’s thinking. How can he not forget both your birthday and your wedding anniversary? Have them on the same day of course 🙂 Great thinking from your husband there, Colleen.
Well Happy “Tween day” then. I hope you are doing something special tomorrow? Maybe it’s a surprise? Of course I’ll have to have a drink now for your anniversary, tween day, and your birthday.
February is a little bit like that for us. 12th, My Blog’s Birthday, 14th, Valentine’s Day, 20th, John’s Birthday, 25th, Civil partnership Anniversary.
LikeLike
Oh Hugh, I forgot my blog-aversary which was April 15th according to the message I finally received from WordPress! Ron remembers the order of the events like this: a = anniversary, b = birthday… a – b! LOL! I love all your events in February. Ron’s birthday is February 12th, so we have valentine’s day stuck in there too. Tomorrow, Ron is barbecuing steaks and halibut. We will have my favorite veggie – asparagus, and sweet potato. I will be 57. I decided that I will not claim “old,” because I am staying young at heart. We did all the fabulous remodeling to the house this year, so my birthday, anniversary, and Christmas are all covered as far as gifts! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well Happy Blog-Adversary as well. That means an extra drink for me over the weekend. 🙂 I’m not complaining. There has been a lot of blog-aversaries over the last couple of months.
Ron has a very good system in place. I’m going to take up his advice and join him in helping me remember important dates as well. I seldom forget them, but you just never know.
Sounds like you have a great day planned tomorrow and I completely agree with you on how old we all feel. I know people younger than me who act older, and people older than me who act younger. It’s all in the heart.
Have a great day tomorrow and, of course, I’ll be in touch.
xx
LikeLike
Thank you Hugh. You are such a dear friend. ❤
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! What a lovely story. It couldn’t have been easy over the years bringing up 5 children together, but you did it, and got through it together! I wish you both continued love and happiness together. 🙂
LikeLike
Edwina, thank you for your kind words. Frankly, when we look back, sometimes we do not know how we coped or made it. Nevertheless, we did and it has been a joyous life together. Thanks for sharing in our joy! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary!
LikeLike
Sandi, thank you so much! I miss seeing you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy 30th Anniversary and many, many more to come. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind wishes. We had a great day! ❤
LikeLike
You are more than welcome. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very happy anniversary to you both love Kathy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you sweet Kathy. I am busy writing the Swamp Fairy book. Look at my about page for a synopsis. Ron and I had a fabulous day. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow Colleen, I can only imagine the love, strength, patience and persistence required for 30 years and 5 kids. There’s hope for us all 🙂 Wishing you both the very best and another 30 years!!
Happy Anniversary…and for your blog too!
Warm wishes,
Florence x
LikeLike
Thank you Florence for your sweet words! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Colleen, you have one packed April week! Blog Anniversary, Wedding Anniversary AND birthday! 🙂 Congratulations on your lasting, beautiful relationship 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind wishes! April is always busy. Actually, it starts with one granddaughter’s birthday on March 28th, the next granddaughter is April 14th, and the week goes from there. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have the same spell in our family, beginning in November with my sis-in-law, then me, then December filled through January with my Dad on the 6th. Of course, it’s holiday time too! lol
LikeLike
I can only imagine. It is fun though. It just all happens so quickly. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colleen!!! That was a handful of love but I thoroughly enjoyed your journey with your Sweetheart and the Children plus grands. I’m so glad I know you (at least across blogsphere).
A toast to 30 + 30 + more years ahead fill with lots of love, laughter and all that makes your heart glad. Hugs ❤
LikeLike
You are such a darling! Thank you for your sweet comments. I am so glad that we got to know each other too. You are a special lady! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, now I’m blushing…actually glowing! By the way I just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! I hope you can check out the details here: https://imanikingblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/20/the-versatile-award/, I love to read some facts about you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Colleen,
Congratulations to you and Ron. 30 years is such a significant milestone, may you both have many more happy years together.
Clare
LikeLike
Clare, thank you so much for your wonderful wishes. We are ready for another 30! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is lovely to hear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Colleen! Congratulations! That’s a huge achievement, especially nowadays. Happiness, good health, and good fortune for all the years to come! ❤
LikeLike
Vashti, thank you for your kind words! You made my day! ❤
LikeLike
Congratulations on love and a life well lived.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. ❤ 🙂
LikeLike
Congratulations! True love is the never ending story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kinds words. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person