Fifty-Two Years
I have no recollection of what I did on the day before I married Muriel Steingard, the woman that is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am told that the day of the wedding I nervously talked everyone’s ear off on the way to Temple Sinai for the ceremony. I don’t remember being nervous, but that probably means I was nervous the day before, too.
This year on the day before our 52nd Wedding Anniversary, I accompanied her to the Jordan Valley Cancer Center for her second chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. It has been that kind of year. On her birthday last month she had the chemo port surgically implanted in her shoulder. In years past, we’d have planned a mini-vacation or special date to celebrate but even if there were not cancer treatments, COVID-19 has put the kibosh on any real celebration in this strangest year of our 52 together. Since it is uncertain how she will feel on the 11th … and because we need to be especially careful about exposure during treatment … I made dinner at home on Sunday night; filet Mignon, baked potato and creamed corn. We ate in the dining room and put flowers on the table. It was nice. Tomorrow we will take it easy and, as they say, play it by ear.
The thing about this star-crossed anniversary is that it puts everything in perspective. There is no place on earth I would rather be than by my wife’s side as she goes through this. And there is no better anniversary present than the positive prognosis for her complete recovery. The way we care for each other during her treatment … and make no mistake, I need special care, too … is what love and fifty-two years of marriage is all about. There will be other years and anniversary celebrations to come, but this one will always be memorable, the year we walked through the unthinkable together. I love you, Muri, more than ever. Happy Anniversary.
Tags: anniversaries, family, feeling older, love and marriage, marriage
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Older Eyes 
August 11, 2020 at 8:27 am
I don’t know what I was doing, but I remember being in awe; I was before that and have been ever since. Here was a couple who had such a love that they rationally decided that their love transcended all obstacles. It’s been a pleasure and honor to see you both do just that.
August 11, 2020 at 11:39 am
Thank you, Glenn. Your comment means a lot.
August 11, 2020 at 10:47 am
You two are clearly soulmates and you’re indeed blessed to have found each other. Only wish we could be there to cry and also celebrate with you.
August 11, 2020 at 11:41 am
That would indeed make it a Happy Anniversary. And if soulfriends are a thing, the four of us are it.