Through the centuries, we have learned to remember our good times, sorrows, and milestones. So, without any hesitation, we write the date down, circle our calendars and even leave notes to remind us of the very special times within our lives.
We also are very happy to share those cherished times with a phone call, text, email or even a card through the mail with our best wishes and love.
As you may agree, birthdays are the most common type of anniversary followed closely by the celebration of weddings, graduations, accomplishments and even humor.
Yesterday, June 30 – my wife Camilla Jo and I celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary dating back to June 30, 1961.
As we both look back through the passing years – three score and 5, we certainly have a great deal of memories and anniversaries just like you have.
We are very proud of our three sons, Mike, Chris, and Joe and the success they have achieved and enjoyed throughout their respective lives.
Jo and I met one busy Friday night at Ashland’s premier place to be – THE BLUEGRASS. This was truly a “cruise in” mecca for young adults just like you see in the movies.
Earlier that day, I had given my pride and joy – my 1956 Chevy Bel Air convertible – a total detail. So, with the top down, it was destination – Bluegrass!
As I cruised the formation of cars in the huge lot, a good friend Patty Baer honked to get my attention. I pulled in next to her and then got in her back seat.
Sitting in the front seat next to Patty was a beautiful young lady I had never met. It was Jo.
Eventually, we began dating and a short time later, we set a date for our marriage. I was 22, Jo – 21.
At the time, I worked in a bank, Jo at the telephone company. Shortly thereafter, we began our family as the years seemingly flew by quickly.
Sure, we experienced and met our challenges along the way as we focused on the values of our family, commitments and communication.
Society says that the 65th wedding anniversary is known as the “Blue Sapphire Anniversary” symbolizing loyalty and enduring love.
#65 is a remarkable milestone that signifies a lifetime of love, commitment, and partnership.
When you think about 65 years together it duly reflects the resilience and dedication required to navigate the ups and downs of marriage.
Trust me, there were many issues and challenges that we overcame.
Without any doubt, our three sons and our family unit were the focus of our success. Over these many years, our one solitary element was that we would always be there for them.
One source of pride for Jo and me is that our boys quickly turned into fine young men with families of their own and having excelled within their fine careers.
Are we proud? What do you think?
Earlier, I mentioned communications are the keys to the success of any marriage.
Anniversaries really offer a natural opportunity for couples to talk about how things are going even for us octogenarians out there.
When you get into those “senior years”; it’s vitally important that you not only communicate, but keep active and do things together.
Naturally, we all have health issues that dictate what and when we can do things together. It’s very important to discuss your health and keep well connected.
Another factor of an enjoyable anniversary is to never forget those lifetime friends who cherish your friendship as much as you cherish them.
For Jo and me, we each have a special “lifetime friends” in which we touch base on the phone from time to time.
Ironically enough, they still reside back home in Ashland.
Jo’s lifetime friend is the very person she was in the car with at the “Bluegrass” when Jo met me in 1961 – PAT BAER.
These two fine ladies are truly lifetime friends, having shared their school years together, worked together at the telephone company and still periodically call each other on the phone. When they talk, it’s like they are 16 all over one more time.
For me, from time to time, my longtime friends are fellow retired Ashland Police Officers – SAM HUNTER and TOM LYNCH.
Together, we have our own APD anniversaries to remember during our 20+ years we served together many years ago. Both Sam and Tom served as my Training Officers as I learned so much from these fine Officers who would become friends in time and friends for a lifetime.
The time that Jo and I spend with our long-time friends is precious. Usually, the first question asked by either one is – “How are you doing?”
So, Anniversaries come and go by their own definition. We usually celebrate in our own way and sometimes small as it may be, it’s a treasure to us.
Speaking of anniversaries, coming up in just 3 days, July 4th we will celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
Are you ready? I bet you are.
It will be an anniversary we will never forget. For all you YANKEE DOODLE DANDIES like my daughter in law Roci – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.