Happy 39th Anniversary Debra

We met 42 years ago when I was 22 and she was 18. She told a coworker I had a cute butt when I came in for a job interview. At our first lunch date, at a converted church, she told me she did not dance because it was too suggestive, so I told her that her dress with the slit was suggestive. Not dancing - that was a challenge for me. Her mother soon asked me about my intentions with her daughter. Fortunately, Debra drove up in her ‘73 Chevy Nova cutting short any answer. Later I did a 4 wheel drift in my Porsche when I realized I loved her.

Three years later, that converted church was a jewelry store where we designed our own wedding rings. We sealed the deal 39 years ago on August 22,1982 at the historic Deepwood estate with a reception at our first home just down the street. We had a negative net worth, her “73 Chev and our love to guide us.

We proceeded to dance, drive fast, travel the world, ride horses, live in 11 different homes, have two great sons and have experiences that would make a great mini-series. We have been rich and poor. We have also had difficult times with unbelievable stresses but still managed in the end to grow our love. If it were not for medical science and Debra’s insistence that I go to the emergency room I could have died at least twice along the way. Along the journey Debra came down with a progressive disease that in hindsight was difficult for me also. We grew together through it all.

I would have died without her. Thank you for the last 42 years and I look forward to what is still to come with you my best friend and love. Love you Debra. Happy anniversary.