60th: Brings perspective, joy

Do you perhaps remember when someone - your grandparents, your parents, or anyone - had a 60th wedding anniversary? I don't think I've ever attended one until now. Tomorrow we will hit the big 6-0 on our wedding anniversary date.

I can tell you one thing; you are older! Your body reminds you of that simple fact many times a day. However in my case, being reminded isn't so bad. There are adjustments that have to made, and they are made. So you have to wear glasses. Is that so bad? Not to me. And the hearing aids come in very handy also. And really, you don't have to mow the lawn or use the snow blower if you don't feel up to it. People seem to understand, but I do both as I am able to and feel it is good for me to stay active.

A wedding anniversary is really about one relationship. That one relationship is the one between you and your mate. Sixty years is more than half a century. A lot of water has passed under the bridge. All those who were the old timers while you were growing up have passed on. Your children are adults, middle-aged adults at that, but all of this is good! It is comfortable, reassuring and natural. On occasion the kids sort of give the impression that you did a lot of things right. I hope we did. As head of our family I did on occasion make some one-person decisions. I wish we had had family meetings to discuss those matters, gotten some input as to what the others thought; but I made them, the family accepted them, and life went on.

Our children are in midlife now and doing fine. So it is back the way we started, just my wife and I. It isn't the same, however, as now we have years of situations behind us. Some situations were interesting and some were frightening, but they are behind us now. The kids are grown and grandkids are getting to be adults even as I write this letter.

So what do I feel for my partner of 60 years? Several things. One, a great appreciation for her many contributions throughout our married life and much respect for the way she handles all our everyday situations. Plus limitless love for the young girl I married who has become a great partner in all our endeavors. And she has put up with me for all this time. She deserves a "wife medal of honor." Perhaps I will make her one! That, my friend, is my next project.

BILL WITTHUHN

Coeur d'Alene