In the marriage lottery, I hit the jackpot!

[MikeH]

One week from today is our 42nd anniversary.

When most people look at her today I'm sure they see just a chubby little old lady. Those who know her well see a chubby little old lady of tremendous character and dedication to the things she loves, God, family, teaching first grade long after she could have retired. (She will be 70 before this next school year ends.) But I can still see the smoking hot blonde who took a lot of winning over, but once committed she was wholly and forever mine. Even after 42 years that smile still does something to me.

The woman who once told me "I was praying for you long before I ever met you. For the kind of man I could build a life with."

The woman who, when I was in the midst of our eight years of caring constantly for Kim, I once overheard telling a friend of hers, "I'm so glad that Mike has his Busse knife interest, it is a tremendous outlet for him."

The woman who a couple of years ago, when I was contemplating another gun purchase, asked "How old are you now?" "65", I replied. "If you don't buy it now while you can still enjoy it, just when will you buy it?"

She has never complained even once about a knife or gun purchase.

The woman who will say, when she perceives I am feeling low, "Its time for you to go fishing."

I used to wonder how old married people could still find one another attractive. Now I understand. They (we) have the entire package, the red-hot passion morphing over time into a commitment based on shared experiences and a lifetime of love which is stronger even than INFI.

When we are apart and I think of her, the same thing always happens. From deep inside, I can feel my soul smiling.

[bo36]

Congratulations. A finely written testament to a wonderful woman and relationship. I hope you have many more years to enjoy each other!

[Zymologist]

That was a pleasure to read Mike. Congrats on your 42 years of marriage

[begreen61]

You really are a Lucky man ,Congrats to both of you,in this throw away society,it is a rearity to have such a good relationship,Bless ya both!!!

[Jerry Busse]

Yowza!

I was writing my Anniversary post when you posted yours.

If Jennifer reads your post after having read mine, she's gonna think that she married the wrong guy!!!!. . .

The only shot I have is to point out that you were already taken, and I was all that was left ! ! ! ! !

Congrats Mike!. . . and thanks for making it that much tougher on all of us youngins to measure up!!!! (Oh, by the way, you can expect some "special pricing" on your next purchase from us . . . . by the time I include "pain and suffering" you'll be paying triple!!!! )

Happy Anniversary !!!!!

Jerry

[mymindisamob]

[mqqn]

Happy Anniversary -

That was beautiful!! I would say you both are very lucky!

My wife and I just celebrated 21 years together - looks like she is going to put up with me for a while longer!

best

mqqn

[Starlight1967]

Congratulations, I hope I can be as lucky.

[Need2Know]

Another of your well written posts. Best wishes to you both for a happy and joyous anniversary.

[dericdesmond]

Stronger then INFI
Awesome stuff sir, you are both very lucky to have one another, congrats.

[Havoc550]

That was great Mike and congratulations!! I had to make my wife of almost 1 year (lived together for almost 15) read that passage. She smiled, said "awwwww" and then asked if I would say the same thing...

I got slapped if that gives you any indication of my answer

[KnifeAddictAK]

Happy Anniversary Mike! That's wonderful that you have had such a blessed marriage and such an amazing wife. May you both have many more years together and thank you for demonstrating that a loving marriage can and does endure through all.

[voracious1]

Happy anniversary Mike and mrs H!

[sumnrfam]

One week from today is our 42nd anniversary.

The woman who once told me "I was praying for you long before I ever met you..."

Mike,, first Happy Anniversary to you & Kathy!!,, sitting with you in line before Blade this year,, was so much fun seeing you light up when you talk about the girls,,

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28


Your lives together & your marriage embody that verse,,even through Kim's ordeal,, your life together has been richly blessed.


Ahhh,,but,,, you have allowed & welcomed us into your story,,to call freinds and family,, and for that WE are truly Blessed !!



Kathy's quote above was an amazing blast from the past,, Michelle @ 19 years old, just before our wedding 27 plus years ago told me the same thing , & I thank God for her daily!!


Hope you guys have an AMAZING anniversary,,and many more together


Wade

[unklfranco]

I am happy to hear about a couple that appreciates each other as much you two do. I have been married 20 years and my wife and I have always treated each other with love and respect. We support each others passions and have many in common. I am glad to hear we are not the only ones. Enjoy.

Unklfranco

[JParanee]

Happy anniversary Congrats

[RussMo]

Mike & Kathy, Congrats and Happy Anniversary guys and many more to go!!! That's a wonderful thing y'all got going on

[Garth Reckner]

Mike,
Congratulations on the upcoming anniversary. I have my 11th coming up in a few weeks and I hope and pray that I can live up to the example that you and Kathy have set. 42 years is an amazing feat in todays world. Thanks for leading by example.

Garth

[swathogg]

I am also blessed with a wonderful wife and soul mate. 31 years coming up for us this November. Blessings to Mike and Jerry and their wives!!

[Olive Tree]

Congratulations to you and your lady! That's a nice thing to read.