Seasons

When a marriage endures through the passage of time, it goes through many seasons. Those seasons can vary from marriage to marriage, but most of them begin with a courtship. Ours was no different. Bob and I dated for a little over a year before we were married on March 1, 1975. Soon after, the season of family growth followed. Our girls, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce were born eleven months apart…Irish twins. That began the season of raising our girls and the many school activities they were involved in. The season of babyhood was quickly handed off, and the season of kids began. The next 15 to 20 years were filled with quickly maturing kids and all the many activities that teenaged girls participate in.

Soon, our girls were grown and before long came the season of sons-in-law and grandchildren. Our girls married wonderful men, Kevin Petersen and Travis Royce, and their first children were born just one day apart. Irish twin cousins (not sure if that is a thing, but Christopher Petersen and Shai Royce were so close that they could have been twins.) Soon, my four grandchildren were spending their early morning hours with me. What a wonderful blessing it was for me to have all four of my grandchildren, Chris and Shai, as well as Caalab Royce and Josh Petersen with me every weekday morning. I love it, and it made my days so complete. I relished being a “hands-on” grandmother. I could hardly believe how blessed I was. Soon, that season was ending. My grandchildren were grown up and living their own lives. It was a new season.

Nevertheless, before long the next season arrived…great grandchildren. These days, two of my grandchildren have children of their own, Chris and his wife, Karen have Cambree, Caysen, and Cyler, while Josh and his wife Athena have Justin, Axel, Cristian, and a fourth son coming any day now…more Irish twins and Irish twin cousins. The blessings just keep coming, and I know there are more to come in the future. In a long-term marriage, the blessings are the same for husband and wife. There are no blended situations. In our case, our girls are in long-term marriages too, and Chris and Josh are heading for the same. We have generations of direct connections…a blessing in itself. As we enter our 51st year of marriage, we look forward to the next seasons. Today is our 51st anniversary. Happy anniversary to the love of my life!! I love you, Bob.