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mid west, United States
A retired Government paper pusher trying to make sense of something

Sunday, October 31, 2010


I sat in a large leather club chair, sipping single malt, watching the fire die down and wondering what the next day would bring.No I wasn't in a private club or a public one for that matter. I was in Dr Kennedy's den. If you remember any of my drivel you may recall his daughter and my best friend at the time, Kate. I have started posts about Doc, but have never got it right. His impact on my life is still hard to put into words.His sudden death still haunts me. But this is about a happy time. I had just been deposited in that chair by Kate after a night of celebration. For you see I was to be wed the next day. Doc had insisted I stay with them so I didn't have to worry about driving.He broke the silence by telling me that I would have many happy moments in my life,but not many would compare to the joy I would feel when I saw my bride come down the aisle to me." Remember and treasure that feeling" he advised,"and bring it to mind when needed". He stood wished me a good night and went to bed.He was right about the joy. I wish I could let him know how many times in the 35 years since I have used his advice to calm myself. Thanks Doc. Oh yeah Happy Anniversary tomorrow Elaine!

23 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary! Here's to manymanymanymanymanymanymany more!

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  2. 'Tis also my late and missed parents anniversary as well. My best to you both. May you enjoy many more happy years together.

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  3. What a wonderful and calming (the fire) post; what wonderful advice; and, what a landmark accomplishment to have stayed married to your sweetheart for this many years...Happy Anniversary to you both.

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  4. Happy Anniversary! I love a good fire...and a story with a happy ending!

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  5. Hello James,
    Haven't posted for a while but I'd like you to know I love your blog as we seem to share the same points of view. It's spring here in old Melbourne town but its been a tad coolish. Last night I sat outside rugged up with a glass of Laphroig and a robusto. Heaven!
    Happy anniversary to you both and may you have many more. Cheers old chap!

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  6. Happy anniversary James and Elaine!
    We are coming up to 40 and it just keeps getting better!!!!

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  7. Aaah James, that is lovely. Happy Anniversary to you both. x

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  8. What a wonderful, lovely post! Happy anniversary to both of you. x

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  9. What a wonderful post! I love it when you let us in just a wee bit with these stories of your life. The 'Doc' sounds like he was one special person!
    Wishing you and your lovely wife the happiest of anniversaries!!

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  10. Happy Anniversary to you both...may you have many, many more cherished years.

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  11. What a wonderful story! Happy anniversary to you and your bride. :)

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  12. Sitting in front of a fire and also watching fish cavort in their environment always calms. What a smart man Doc was.
    Happy Anniversary, James!

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  13. Dear James,
    What a beautiful memory of your good friend and the wonderful thing that he said to you that evening by the fire.
    I wish you and Elaine a wonderful anniversary ( you are one year ahead of us !! ) and many, many, more to come. With much love to you both. XXXX

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  14. Happy anniversary! Hope you have a wonderful time! - erin

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  15. You are so good to share what your wife means to you and those you hold near & dear. You are a man rich with love and treasured memories James.
    A happy belated anniversary to you & Elaine. I hope my husband feels half as grateful as you do for walking down that aisle!

    Cheers xx

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  16. James, Happy Anniversary. A poignant story indeed!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  17. James - It sounds like a perfect day to unpack many wonderful memories. Happy Anniversary to you and Elaine.

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  18. Thank you all for your kind comments.

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  19. Just...sweet! Happy Anniversay! I like how you paint a story!!

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  20. happy anniversary!
    great blog!

    ciao ciao from rome
    BExCLUSIVE MAGAZINE
    http://bexclusivemagazine.blogspot.com/

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  21. What a wonderful memory you've shared. Happy anniversary...and many more.

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