Honoring 25 years of Marriage
The story begins about 25 years ago, when I first dated and fell in love with Doug. We dated only 1 month and were married a short 5 months later. Our lives were full of bliss, as newlyweds usually are.
We began our family about 3 years after getting married, and continued growing our family for 13 years having 3 wonderful boys. Although we absolutely loved our boys, and would never have it any other way, times were tough. Our youngest son was born with Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome and while he is fine now, that along with loss of income put a strain on us.
Doug and I have always put our boys first, doing whatever we needed to do to provide for them. We put our lives basically on the back burner for them. And honestly, if I had to do it all of again…I wouldn’t change a thing!
Our boys are amazing!! They are all very intelligent, honor roll students, kind hearted and caring young men!
There was a time, several years ago, when we did not have money to pay our water bill. We took my wedding ring to the pawn shop and took out a loan on it. We had every intention of going back and paying for the loan to get my ring back, but we were never able to.
Fast forward to last week, when we had something super exciting happen! Walmart sent a video crew to our home to interview myself and Doug. After the interviews, they all headed to Walmart to help Doug pick out a new wedding ring for me. The selection was really quite amazing and he was pleasantly surprised with how affordable the rings were. Now even though I knew he could pick out a ring all by himself I was happy knowing that he had experts there that could explain the different types and quality of rings that are available. Not only is the size of the diamond important but learning the the cut of the diamond can make a huge impact on the quality was just one of the many things they share with him that day.
There were a variety of styles, some current styles and single solitaires and of course the timeless beauty Doug eventually chose for me. And with the Walmart pricing they didn’t bust our budget. I’m sure that there is a ring there to fit everyone’s budget.
I am so honored and humbled by the whole experience. My new wedding ring is a Keepsake Bridal Set. As we begin our next 25 years and longer together, I will never forget how far we have come. With LOTS of work and LOTS of prayer…
Happy Anniversary! Glad you got a new ring!
Awe so they saying is true good thing happen to good people! 25 years is nothing to sneeze at and congrats to you and hubby! Such a beautiful family wishing many wonderful blessings to come in the next 25 years!
Thanks for sharing your story and giving us a glimpse into your life. Your story and mine are very similar. While I am not celebrating my 25th anniversary by a longshot, my son, too, was born with Gastroscesis and it put a financial and emotional hardhsip on our family as his was one of the worse of the levels of that condition. Through the years we have lost a lot financially and sacraficed for him and I wouldn’t change that for anything. He’s now a 14 year old boy and doing well. Your story gave me a tear because of the wedding ring part. Isn’t it wonderful when something really nice and special happens after going through what you and Doug did? I love it!! – Karen
Congratulations on 25 years! =)
Congratulations on 25 yrs!! You are showing your boys how its done!! My parents have been married almost 40 yrs and are still as happy as the day they met, despite all the hurdles and sacrifices along the way. Your new rings are beautiful, and they mark a new chapter in your lives together… hold on, weddings and babies are around the corner. X
Thanks Nicola! Marriage and babies for the boys will be here before I know it.
Happy Anniversary Liz & Doug! I think you are an amazing couple 🙂 {Our 25th is in November this year!}
Thanks so much Linda! Happy Anniversary in November, ours is actually in September, so pretty close to yours.
Thanks for sharing your story! I love the surprise ending:) Congrats on 25 years of marriage!
Thanks so much, Sue!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!!
What a nice story!!! It’s amazing to look back, isn’t it? I sometimes feel sad for the younger generations that start with ‘everything’…..
I think us ‘older’ ones treasure our memories….ALL of them!
Sherry
…celebrating 38 years to my one and only in August of this year….
Thanks so much SherryBee! Happy Anniversary to you in August!
I am with Tammy … watery eyes and all. You have a beautiful story that goes along with a beautiful family 🙂
Ahh…thanks so much Brenda! It was an honor to share our story!
wow congrats on 25 years! impressive, hope you have many more to come 🙂
Thanks so much Michelle! We are looking forward to what the next 25 years and beyond has for us!
Ok – that is so not fair – you made me cry! I am so happy for you and wish you another blessed 25 years!
I will say that i am Not telling my son how long it took y’all to get married cause he has a serious girlfriend and this momma isnt ready for wedding bells lol
Congratulations to you and your wonderful family 🙂
Ahh Tammy…thanks so much! I totally understand about your son, I’m that way too.
Happy 25th Anniversary to you and Doug! It warms my heart that you have your beautiful rings. They are truly a testament to your loving marriage and how appropriate that they are from the Keepsake collection. Enjoy your anniversary and may you and Doug celebrate many more!
Thanks so much Rosie!
Happy Anniversary! I love your wedding photo! The rings are beautiful!
Congratulations on 25 years. When we’re young and all ready for the little house and picket fence we never could have imagined all the splinters from those pickets. But as time goes on and they become worn and smooth we realize how beautiful and warm that fence is. It wraps it’s arms around us and protects us during all the hardships and trails that we faced. But it also glows with the love and sweetness of the family with in it. The best of luck and fortune to you and your husband as you start out on your next 25 years and then the next and etc…. it only gets better. <3 🙂
Thanks so much Gloria! Well said…
Liz, your rings are beautifu! I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.
PS The cupcakes look terrific.
Thanks so much! I’m honored to share our story!