20 years ago today in Michigan’s UP, a young couple very much in love got married. That couple was Mona and I. September 3, 1988 was the day that began a journey of partnership and friendship that has grown into a life relationship that simply couldn’t be any better.
9 months and 5 days after being wed, Anna Hutton was born. I’ll never forget sitting in our bedroom on the bed matress, which was on the floor because we had no real bedroom furniture at the time, and contemplating the reality of parenthood within our first year of marriage. I thought Mona must surely be better prepared for being a mother than I was for being a father. I hoped she was, because I was clueless. We were thrilled and scared at the same time. Fortunately for me and our kids, Mona quickly proved that she got it.
Over the course of the next 20 years, God revealed His plan day-by-day. The condensed version of the story looks something like this…
1988 Get married.
1988 Move to Brainerd, MN and rent an apartment
1989 Buy a house in Brainerd, MN
1989 Have a baby girl (Anna)
1990 Ron changes job and we move to Port Orange, FL
1991 Ron changes job and we move to McHenry, IL
1992 Move from McHenry to Crystal Lake, IL
1992 Have a baby boy (Ben)
1993 Ron changes job and we move to Ormond Beach, FL
1995 Have a baby girl (Emily)
1999 Ron changes job and we move to Farmington, MN
2001 Ron changes job and we move to Ormond Beach, FL
2007 Anna graduates from high school and moves to Tallahassee, FL to attend FSU
(next?)
20 years condensed into 13 lines? That’s not right. Why’d I do that? The gaps in between the lines span month and years. It’s the everyday things that make up life and form bonds that no man can break. It’s knowing that your mate knows you better than any other human on earth, and yet would do anything for you. While only God’s love is perfect and unconditional, I don’t think there’s anything closer here on earth than what Mona and I have together. I adore her, and she likes me pretty good too.
Mona… thank you. I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years hold in store for us.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
Ron and Mona – you guys are incredible and with all the gaps between our visits, much like the gaps between the lines, we have never felt far from the two of you. Everytime we get together the kids have grown, yet it feels like not a day has passed by how you make us feel when we see you. Your light has shone in how you have trusted the Lord with the decisions that matter most and he has truly blessed us to be able to be a small part of your lives.
Congratulations!
We Love You Both – Rod and Kathy
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Congratulations you two! There’s nothing better than having a good relationship, full of interesting days, weeks, months and years. And being blessed with children (and in my case, grandchildren).
I wish you 40 more years of the same love and bliss!
Warm regards,
Donna
September 16th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Congrat’s you two! Can’t believe it’s been 20 years already. I think that’s deserving of at least a cruise, or something???? I wish you both the best!
Love Kathy