Forty years ago today Sally and I made a solemn vow that we would stand as a married couple ‘from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part’. We have had some ‘worse’ moments and we certainly didn’t have much money in the early days of our marriage, but God has been faithful and we have known his hand on our lives throughout our marriage.
We have brought into the world four amazing children and they have grown into inspirational humans despite our best endeavours. We have shared a passion for sailing, cycling and narrow boats (and, through necessity, house renovation) and have found that life is better when we are together than when we are apart. Importantly we have a shared faith and have committed our lives, not only to each other, but to the God who saves us and who wants to walk with us.
And of course we are now experiencing the ‘in sickness’ part of the equation, and that is hard. But life is good, and we are surrounded by friends cheering us on. No marriage can survive in a vacuum and we have been inspired by so many people who themselves know how to nurture relationships over many years.
For my part, I am blessed to be married to an amazing woman who is faithful, determined and wise. She has loved me without condition and has always had my best interests at heart. Today she has taken on the role of carer too, although truth to tell she has probably always been my carer, but previously at least I was able to get out of a chair by myself. 😁
For forty years I have ‘walked life’ with my best friend by my side and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Love this…and you two! Happy 40th wedding anniversary xx
Love, gratitude, fun, consistency, inspiration, affirmation, friendship, acceptance, reality, drive, compassion, honesty, generosity, humility, fun, (and there’s more where these came from!) God is and has been faithful to you Ian and Sally, and a great friend. I honour, love and congratulate you today, happy 40th!
This post bought a tear to my eye Ian. You and Sally are a wonderful and inspirational couple. Long may your happiness together continue. Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary.
Thanks Nadjie. It was lovely to share with you the other day xx
Congratulations to the two of you. Never mind Sally being 16 – why was she standing next to Robert Powell? Alice and I had our anniversary yesterday, I’m happy to say.
Congratulations. How many years are you two celebrating?
Apparently 28 years, according to the calendar, although it only seems like yesterday.
Happy Anniversary precious friends. I remembered it was your 40th anniversary this month, but just couldn’t remember the exact date! Richard and I still love taking the credit for bringing you together, although we know it was all in God’s plan. What a joy it has been, and will always be, to walk with you through life, laugh with you (frequently, mostly at my expense) and support each other. As we are always telling newly weds “it gets better and better over the years”. Does that mean it is all easy? How foolish, of course not! But the bond of sharing your life and loving someone for 40 years (and the rest) means we face everything together, and reaching out to hold someones hand strengthens our ability to face difficulty or doubles the joy even if it means Sally has to be the one reaching out these days. You are, and always will be, the perfect fit for each other. You bless our lives and we thank God for you both. Xx
Thanks Jane. You and Richard had a big hand in bringing us together xx
Happy anniversary to an amazing couple who have also enriched many others through the way you have lived your life together. Even now, in the sickness stage, you inspire others with your honesty and open-ness and continued ability to see the good and the God in all that surrounds you. Celebrate well and congratulations on 40 great years. Sending love to you both – and to the whole family,
Thanks Ian
Many congratulations to you both. 40 years…crumbs!
Well done (the 40 years) and well writ (this blog piece).
Lovely post, photos n words….n happy anniversary!
A very happy anniversary to you both. Lovely photos. Wonderful to have your best friend by your side in life. Wishing you a happy day – the sun is shining :). Much love to you both.
Happy Anniversary. Look forward to catching up when you are in Sandridge
40 years – hussar! Much love, Richard & Sharon
Happy Anniversary!!! What a blessing to read your posts and see how God is shining through. You and your family are awesome! May God continue to shower you with many more blessings. Lots of love Ruppi
Lovely to hear from you Ruppi. Message me and let me know how you are doing xx
Many congratulations on reaching 40 years of marriage and still staying so close- a magnificent achievement. You undoubtedly bring out the best in each other. Amanda xx
More a testament to Sally’s patience methinks!
Remember the wedding day well
An amazing template to follow. Thank you ❤️
Belated congratulations on your 40th anniversary. May the journey continue!