Fifty years ago today the lovely little lady that I had been dating through high school agreed to spend the rest of her life with me and we were married on a Tuesday evening at 7:30.
For fifty years now she has been my partner, soul mate and best friend. This past weekend we traveled through the East Texas Piney Woods and just enjoyed being together.
After the ceremony that Tuesday evening, we traveled to Abilene, Texas where I had an interview the next day for a job at Abilene Christian University - where I was to be a freshman in a few days and needed a job to pay for the tuition. I got the job and by the weekend Jeanne had a job at a local hospital.
Jeanne worked while I attended college and only took off to work at home while our boys were young. She still works to help support my dream of owning my own business.
There is a famous quote by Kermit the Frog: "It ain't easy being green." Well, it ain't easy being married the Raymond the Dreamer, but Jeanne has accomplished it with a smile, forgiveness and a tender heart.
Throughout the good times and the bad she has stood firmly by my side and supported whatever stupid idea I had at the time. If there ever was a perfect example of love, it is Jeanne.
The time that remains for us here on this earth is not known, but with certainty I can promise that it will be spent with the love of my life, my Princess, Jeanne.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Congratulations!!!!!
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
That is a great story. You two are very blessed.
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Congratulations, very inspiring!
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
50 years! Wow. Congratulations!
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Wonderful tribute, Ray!!
May God grant you and your Jeanne a long, happy and healthy future together.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Wow, Raymond, loved your story! You are both blessed to have each other. I'm sure would like to be there to give you both a big anniversary hug!!
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Wow, Raymond, loved your story! You are both blessed to have each other. I'm sure would like to be there to give you both a big anniversary hug!!
Posted by Brian Oliver (Member # 2019) on :
Well written and touching, Raymond. Congratulations on an enduring love.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Happy anniversary to you and Jeanne too!
-grampa dan
Posted by Bob Peach (Member # 2620) on :
Happy Anniversary Raymond and Jeanne!!!
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Jeanne has to be a saint to have put up with you this long!
Anyhow ... congratulations and Happy Anniversary!
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
50 years with Raymond Chapman, now that is an accomplishment! You two are special people, congratulations.
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Nice, Raymond. Congratulations to the both of you!!
Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
Congratulations to you both!
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
You're one of the good guys Raymond......
(but she still deserves the "Medal of Tolerance")
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Absolutely super! Great for BOTH of you!
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Congratulations Ray & Jeanne!!!
Hoping you have many more years to enjoy each other.
Posted by Sal Cabrera (Member # 1236) on :
Congratulations to the both of you!!
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Now that is my idea of genuine success, forget the money, love is the most valuable item you can have.
Posted by Bob Moroney (Member # 9498) on :
Congratulations Ray & Jeanne. Saint hood shall be hers.
Posted by Bob Moroney (Member # 9498) on :
Congratulations Ray & Jeanne. Saint hood shall be hers.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Awesome kid! Perhaps its time for you to support her dreams for the second fifty?
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
Congratulations Ray & Jeanne. You guys are to young to be that old.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Congratulations Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Raymond...very very nice...congratulations.
[ September 04, 2013, 04:21 PM: Message edited by: Rusty Bradley ]
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Oops...sorry...double post.
[ September 04, 2013, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Rusty Bradley ]
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
congratulations Ray. hanks for sharing. it sounds like living with you has been an adventure. Wishing you many more years and adventures.
Diane
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Wonderful!
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Congratulations to both of you..
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Well said, Raymond- congratulations on your Golden Wedding anniversary!
P.S. does she know you've written this?
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Wow Ray, you're really old!!! Congratulations to the two of you anyway
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Congratulations to you both!
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Way to go Raymond and Jeanne! Ya' still got nine years on me but we're gaining proportionately.
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
I must say Congratulations first, but if you ever get into trouble, make sure you have a print of this so you can show Jeanne and maybe she'll go easy on you!
You must be doing something right to celebrate 50 years. Thanks for the great example of true love for all of us to follow.
And I mean this Sign-cerely,
Steve
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Congratulations Ray, I thought I already responded to this celebration last week, but looks like I never did... Hope it was a Great day for you Both...All the best!
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Thanks to all of you. We celebrated our anniversary with a short trip to the Piney Woods of East Texas and then yesterday afternoon our children, grandchildren and church family gave us a reception that was just fantastic.
Fifty years of marriage is like riding a giant roller coaster - there are ups and downs, and bumpy curves, but there are also times that take your breath away. And when you come to the end you want to get back in line and do it all over again. The best part is that you know you are secure inside the car and nothing is going to separate you.
So, now we begin the second fifty.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)