Thanksgoating - Day twelve. I do
19Today I am celebrating 22 years of my wife putting up with me. Marriage is hard work. And sadly, often, it doesn’t end well. This summer my parents celebrated 63 years. They have been fantastic role models.
Today I am thankful for a happy marriage.
And that’s not to say it’s been perfect. We’ve had PLENTY of stupid arguments. But over the years we’ve gotten pretty good at taking some time to cool off and then saying, ‘That was dumb. I didn’t handle that well. I’m sorry’. It’s not always as easy as that, but we typically wake up the next day feeling like the kids we were when we met. I still love holding her hand.
I love my wife so much. I’m not embarrassed to say that either. And I need her. So much. On paper, I’m a smart guy. But when my wife goes out of town, I become a certified idiot. I honestly could never be single again. I’d be worthless. She centers me.
I was raised to be chivalrous. I’m the provider, I’m the bug killer, I can fix anything, and I will always get the door for my best gal. But last year when I had my thing, my wife got blind-sided by all stuff I had been shouldering. She had to figure it all out… and she took care of business. I got to see just how strong my wife really is. And I fell even more in love with her.
I’m not a relationship councelor, but I’ll give one bit of advice. Find someone with the same sense of humor as you. I was attracted to my Jenny the first time I saw her smile. And I can make her laugh at any moment of any day. I feel kind of selfish because I do it just so I can see that smile any time I want to.
Ok… sorry… this drivel has become sappy and I’ve rambled on a bit long. If you have a significant other, give them a pat on the butt and a kiss on the lips. And let them see you smile. If you don’t have one, keep an eye out for someone who makes you laugh. 
So, this is pretty much a love letter to my wife that she’ll never read. But I don’t mind telling the world how good I’ve got it. 
I’ve got to go cook breakfast. See ya!
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Oh, and an unlicensed fireworks display that the golf course got in a bit of trouble for. Blame the deejay
@capnjb I’d blame that squarely on the goat! Oh, never mind.
Congratulations, may you have many more years of such happiness!
Dear you. I sat here reading your words aloud to my hubby…of 45 (50 together) married years. Each time I read a new sentence ( after we did the holding hands here), we agreed. And so, here we are, just about 2x- double-your years, agreeing with your writing-how about that? So, happy for you, and so great that you, “a smart guy”, is honest and humble enough to write that. Good for you. May you have many more great and loving years together, and surpass our # . Thanks for the chuckles ( and by the way, at age 73 ( but a young 73), we’re reading your stuff sitting here in bed on a Saturday morning, still in our birthday suits, doing the hand hold and the butt slap
).
@sawaustin
Ditto here as well. Our anniversary is 9-1-77. 45 years of her putting up with me and my (sometimes) smartassery. Still holding hands walking the beach this week…
Probably the best thing I ever did. We have 2 great kids to show for it too!
“Stay the course Capn!”
@chienfou @sawaustin My aunt and uncle were married 70 years. My mom would have been too (they were married in a double wedding) but dad died some years ago. They died 12 hours apart. Likely a good thing too as I don’t think either could have gone on without the other.
Dear capnjb,
. Thanks, if you happen to see these responses by me, and can reply.
Just curious…in your handle/online username, if the cap is for captain, and the NJ is for new jersey. I don’t want you to expose private info, but how do we communicate privately? I tried the envelope icon, but no luck
And p.s. beauuutiful photos!
( and in true meh.com style, no, I’m not going to put photos of what I described in my previous repy- hahahaha
)
@sawaustin Heh… The capn is originally derived from a gamer handle I used in the 90’s. Not going to lie, it came from the breakfast cereal I was eating one morning. Capn Crunch. The JB part is actually my initials. And technically, now my wife’s as well.
If you’d like to contact me directly, there is a ‘whisper’ link below every post and you can contact me directly through that. Just make sure I’m the only one listed that you want to share your message with. Congrats on 45! That’s amazing! 
@capnjb
And here I thought that amongst your many talents you’d also been a boat captain or something!
@Kyeh Nah, I just throw my hands in the air and let the kid close her eyes and drive it like she stole it
@capnjb I hope your daughter appreciates what an ultra-cool dad she has!
@Kyeh I reminder her all the time. Normally in front of her friends.
@capnjb
Thanks @capnjb for the amazing post. I could parrot the whole thing! One confession, though. I screwed up your instructions, and gave my wife a pat on the lips and a kiss on the butt.
@shahnm You do you. No one is judging