Taking the Plunge

This past August 28^th, my husband Jeff and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. For our anniversary getaway, we were headed to Munising, Michigan to kayak along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and explore other sites in the Upper Penninsula. With Jeff behind the wheel and a five hour drive ahead of us, I began contemplating how we had arrived at this milestone anniversary. In a world of marital discord, this suddenly felt like quite an accomplishment.

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.”–Will Ferrell

The Beginning–
We were introduced by mutual friends while playing billiards at a sports bar. Jeff stuck his hand out to shake mine and I said, “Hi, I’m Dianna and my hands are ice cold.” Jeff clasped my cold hands in both of his hands, looked me in the eyes and said, “That’s ok, cold hands, warm heart.” And so it began.

The Challenges–
We have made it through unexpected financial burden, major career changes, a chronic illness that hijacked my body for five years and nearly killed me (but that’s a topic for a future blog post), another serious illness- this time for Jeff, problems with adding to our immediate family, parenting conflicts, depression and anxiety diagnoses (me), mega stress while completing an MBA program, adopting a baby and being an involved dad to an eleven year old son and working full time plus (Jeff). I was at the point of giving up several times, but somehow with the support of the unflappable Jeff, I was always able to stay afloat through the difficult times.

Advice That Helped–
The bogus 50-50 rule. We spent three sessions with a long-married pastor before he would marry us. At one of his teachings, he explained that it would be highly unlikely that we would evenly split up all chores, finances, errands, etc. He explained that instead of expecting a 50-50 percent split, it would be more realistic to be open to sometimes doing 75 percent while the other does 25 percent, or maybe even 99 percent to one percent. We never even had a chance to forget this lesson because within a few months of marriage, we were lopsided in percentages when I became chronically ill.

A few days before our wedding, I was working with an elderly woman who would be celebrating her 70^thwedding anniversary on the day of our marriage. I asked her if she had any marital advice for me and she replied, “Marriage is not for the weak.” At the time, that seemed like a funny comment to make, but throughout the years, I often thought of it and eventually lived the truth of it.

After our son was born, my aunt told me the greatest gift I could give my baby was to love his father. Meaning that, giving each other the undivided attention we both still needed, even as we added to our family, would keep us connected as a couple. It became a cherished piece of advice that we continue to honor, even today.

Committed Practices–
The science of it all is quite astonishing.
Both Jeff and I have always been open to trying new activities and exploring unfamiliar locations, but little did we know, it was also healthy for our marriage. The brain pairs the person you are with and the excitement of a new event or new place. This creates a chemical release in the brain that elicits the feeling that is similar to how we feel in the beginning stages of a romantic relationship. http://theconversation.com/can-you-revive-the-spark-in-a-long-term-relationship-science-reveals-all-54602

Jeff’ has a keen ability to see me through rose-colored glasses, still, after all this time! There is evidence that this contributes to healthy long term marriages and I wholeheartedly agree. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/oxytocin-may-put-rose-colored-glasses-on-relationships.html

Physical intimacy is an important part of marriage. Our bodies are designed to experience each other and bond deeply with our partner through physical connection. There may be changes and challenges over time, but it is worth every ounce of effort. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-often-do-happiest-couples-have-sex-it-s-less-ncna828491

The word ‘Acceptance’ may be one of the most powerful words in marriage. I have grown in my own acceptance of the word acceptance. If you are unsure of the impact it can have on your marriage, try using it, not once or twice, but as often as you need it.

The Twenty-Five Year Point–
As we crossed the Mackinaw Bridge, I asked Jeff to name his favorite memories of our marriage:
Becoming parents to our son, Vince.
Adopting our daughter, Julia, from China.
Traveling out of the USA-Jamaica for our honeymoon and climbing the waterfall, Mexico and exploring the Mayan ruins, Australia and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, China and climbing the Great Wall, Paris and all the hours spent at the Louvre.
Being open to the unknown: cliff jumping, mountain biking, roller-coasters, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, yoga, book club, fitness challenges, marriage workshops, music and art activities and the many ‘Do it Yourself’ house projects (DIY is the only one not on my list, ha ha).

After we arrived at our destination, we found a remote beach area to park and enjoy the view of Lake Superior. Jeff asked me to read to him my rough draft while we sat at the waters edge. Ever true to supporting me, when I finished, he quietly uttered three words, “I love it.”
Several minutes passed when Jeff asked me what my personal words of wisdom were about marriage. I pondered his question as I watched the lake. I was mezmerized by the beauty of Lake Superior, but I knew there was danger in it too. However, I was still drawn to entering the water. The shallow water was manageable, so I walked further out, ready to take the plunge. I was slowly adjusting to the frigid temperature of the lake, when suddenly the crash of a wave surrounded me and pulled me down. At first I was shocked by how quickly I was knocked off my feet but then determination set in and I knew what to do. I surrendered to the current, accepted it and let it flow around me. Minutes later, I came out of the lake feeling stronger, energized, so alive! In that moment, a realization came over me. Lake Superior was a brilliant metaphor for our marriage.
“Be intentional with each other and surround yourselves with unending support. Marriage is for loving, forgiving, accepting and sharing an open heart.” It is for us, My Love.

Climbing the Dunns River Falls in Jamaica on our honeymoon, August,1993. https://www.dunnsriverfalls.net