July 9, 1982: Clyde, Kansas.

Tomorrow, July 9, Mary and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.  I told a friend at church this morning when she congratulated us on this milestone, “People should say congratulations to me, and ‘my condolences’ to Mary.” I truly believe I got the better end of the deal!

I considered developing a reflective post about our anniversary, but I then decided that sharing a poem I wrote for Mary for Christmas after we had been married 25 years would best express my (sentimental) sentiments. Of course, I’ll also weave in a little photoremedy as well.

Much has changed in the last five years: Loved ones have gone on to their reward, two of our kids have gotten married, the first grandchild has arrived, education milestones have been accomplished, and we are all together again in Arizona. Many, many blessings.

One thing that remains the same is I continue to be eternally grateful for the sacrament of marriage. I often tell people, “Love hasn’t kept our marriage together, marriage has kept our love together.” Think about that. And, think about your version of Perfect Love.

Perfect Love

Some people want a flame that always burns bright. Some people long for a day without night. Some people want it covered every step of the way. Me? I don’t need it to be perfect, ‘cause Baby I have you. You lift me up whenever I’m down. You always keep my feet on the ground. You share my love of all that is good. Our love isn’t perfect, but it couldn’t be better.

June 30, 2012: Before the Kiana and Kiara Perez Quinceañera Mass in Culiacan, Mexico.

Three wonderful kids, some cars, and a roof over our heads. More than 25 years in the same bed. Family, friends, and a love of the Lord. With you, my friend, I’ve never been bored. I don’t need anything more, ‘cause Baby I have you. You lift me up whenever I’m down You always keep my feet on the ground. You share my love of all that is good. Our love isn’t perfect, but it couldn’t be better.

If today were the day that I breathed my last. I’m not going to complain that it all went so fast. I’ll say my prayers and thank God above, that he shared you – our heavenly dove. You lift me up whenever I’m down. You always keep my feet on the ground. You share my love of all that is good. Our love isn’t perfect, but it couldn’t be better!

Happy Anniversary, my love!

– Greg