Two hearts, one love, a lifetime of experiences shared. Yesterday, a couple of different people commented on my life with Ronnie B. First, my daughter called in tears remembering the treasured trips we took as a family and wondering if those adventures are all in the path. Then a friend commented on how Ron and I love spending our time together while also allowing for time to do our own thing. At this stage of my life, as my last birthday in my sixties is only a week away, I am grateful for all the memories of our life together and those that we came together to share when we arrived under one roof.
Natalie was having a sad moment recalling all the trips of her childhood and recognizing there won’t be anymore with her grandparents or our Ryan. But I told her honestly that her best memories are yet to happen. Although, I have wonderful childhood camping trips that come to mind, the ones I treasure most are the ones with my own kiddos. Natalie is just beginning her life as a mom with two curious boys that will take her on journeys she can’t even imagine. Will they be the same beach scenes she remembers when she was a little girl? Probably not. But they will be the writing of her families story and will give her joy as she closes her eyes and pictures her littles exploring their world.
Ronnie B and I will be married forty-eight years this June. We were high school sweethearts and I can still smile when I think of the beginning of our love story. Prom pictures show the connection we shared even then. But along with living our lives side by side we have weathered storms that could have split us up but didn’t. The loss of a brother, the loss of a son, the heartbreak of infertility, the joy and pain of adoption, and the separation that lasted way too long because of stubborn hearts were just a few of the hurdles on our path. When Ron lost his brother in a military plane crash, all I wanted to do was comfort him. What he needed was time alone to process. That was a turning point for me. I recognized what he needed was more important than what I had to give. This moment shifted my need to be joined at the hip with my Ronnie B. It didn’t shift my love just my perspective.
Through the years we have become more independent of one another in a good way. He enjoys his archeology adventures and I am free to spend much needed time with friends and family. Our months long rv trips give us the together time we crave and enjoy. But listening to Ron share his adventures when he comes home from a trip connects us even as we have ventured off separately. I love that we have this balance that works so well for our love and relationship.
We even have a good balance of time spent with our kids and their families and time spent on other journeys. It has become almost a yearly thing to go with the Guthries on their catamaran to island hop in the Bahamas. What a relaxed and enjoyable time together those couple of weeks are for us. I get in all the swimming in the most heavenly waters and Ronnie B gets plenty of hammock time when we dock. Even in these trips that has so much us time there is always time to do what we love individually.
I am glad that Natalie and Julie shared their thoughts with me yesterday. My hope is that Natalie looks to the future as well as the past to plan explorations with her own kids. Decades from now she will look back and realize that her childhood adventures were just a first chapter on her story. The ones she and Nate take with their family will be the ones that make her smile the brightest when these years have passed.
Overall, I look back on my life with joy. Were there difficult days, weeks and even years? Absolutely. But even those have brought me to where I am today. And here is right where I want to be in life. For that I am thankful.
In Him,
Joyful
3-24-25
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