First of all, since we’ve been talking about best friends this week, I’m happy to say that today is my wedding anniversary! Seventeen years...wow, can you believe it? We’re not actually celebrating today, though. Instead, we’re putting off the celebration until November 2nd when we leave for a week-long trip to Europe. We’re doing a cruise of the Mediterranean, seeing Barcelona, Marseilles, Nice/Cannes, Florence, Rome and Naples. Can’t wait! (So, if there’s no blogging for a couple of Saturdays, that’s where I am.)
Secondly, today is also my dear old dad’s 80th birthday! (Here we are at my cousin’s wedding last month.) Dad’s a navy veteran who fought in WWII and Korea and is now happily retired watching his war movie DVDs and reading the latest James Mitchner.Finally, today is homecoming at my alma mater – The University of Alabama. (Can a girlfriend get a hearty Roooooooooolllllllllllll Tide Roll?)
Since my sorority sister series is set on a college campus,
I’ve been deep into memories of my college days in Tuscaloosa. The quad. Denny Chimes. Bryant-Denny stadium. Bama is known primarily for its football program and this time of year is the absolute best on my campus. Fans, alums and students gather every Saturday to watch the Crimson Tide take on their opponent. There are parties and cookouts on the quad, a pep rally in front of the library and a parade through town. It’s not just a football game; it’s a religion. People take their Crimson Tide football seriously.If you don’t believe me, let’s flash back seventeen years to Alexandria, Virginia. My wedding day. It’s about half an hour before I’m supposed to be dressed and at the church, but there’s one little problem. Alabama is playing Penn State on television and the Tide is barely ahead. They wouldn’t dare ruin my wedding day, would they? Penn State is driving and threatening our 17-16 lead. I’m in my slip with curlers in my hair. Two of my bridesmaids were still in school at Bama and looked the same as me. We gathered in front of the television, holding hands, praying, hoping. The two teams lined up and...oh, just watch it for yourself!
Yes! Thomas Rayam saved my wedding day and my dad’s birthday. As Dad walked me down the aisle half an hour later, he turned to me and said, “Roll Tide” and I responded with “Did you like your birthday present?” Now that’s a great dad, wedding day and university memory all wrapped up in one.
Do you have a memory that couples together several things you love? Please share!
Marley
http://www.marleygibson.com/
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8 comments:
What a wonderful trio of events/memories, Marley!
Something special happened on my wedding day, too. Miles from the ceremony, the postman delivered a contract from SECRETS magazine. My father saw it when he took in my mail and called me on my honeymoon. For while it wasn't the first short story I'd ever sold, it was the first after several years.
I felt like my life really started over that day, both personally and professionally. And here I am, 21 years married and 3 kids later, and still selling, so I guess I was right!
Tina
www.tinaferraro.com
Marley,
You are a very lucky lady! First of all to have a wonderful marriage that has lasted seventeen years and he's still your best friend is amazing.
And sharing your adult life with your father must be a delight. My dad died when I was 24, so your pic of you and your dad brings tears to my eyes. God, I'm so jealous.
I did the book signing a few weeks ago at my alma mater the University of Illinois for homecoming and they lost in the last minute of the game.
Hmm...there's a pattern I need to change here. Please send over a little luck my way!
Have an awesome trip, I can't wait to hear all the aweseome details!
Simone Elkeles
www.simoneelkeles.com
Awww...thanks guys! I do feel very luck on a lot of counts. Hugs Simone. My father almost died when I was three years old, so I consider it a blessing that I've had him my whole life.
Love your story, Tina. That gave me chills.
And to round out the day, Bama won its homecoming game...38-3!
= )
wow. that clip is from right when i was born. that's pretty cool. i think you look like your father.
Marley~
What a cute couple! I hope you and your hubby have a wonderful cruise. But how could you not, it's a CRUISE! Hit a couple midnight buffets for me too!
I loved the pic with your dad, how special that you got married on his b-day!
I have to agree that my hubby is my b/f/f. Others come and go but he'll be there forever!
I can't say that I have any events in triplicate like this. I've always been weird about everything having it's own day. More presents that way! ha! Great post and here's a toast for many more years of happy marriage.
xo,
Steph
ps- I know you are SO going to be checking your internet on the ship! :)
There's no way anyone can beat that triple threat, Marley. I can't even think of anything to add. No wedding day to gush about. No heart-wrenching alma mater--I've been to four different universities. No 80-year-old father--though I think he's pretty happy about that ... 63 is bad enough =) I do have a 94-year-old grandmother ... does that count?
Congratulations on 17 strong years (and to another 50 or so). Have fun on your European cruise. (Note: due to electronic media inadequacies you could not hear the jealous tone of that last comment ... rest assured it is there.)
Hugs,
TLC
[anxiously awaiting a souvenir ... a hot Italian guy would be nice]
I totally sat here and watched that football clip! What a great day for fun memories. Happy anniversary, and Happy birthday to your dad! And yay for your alma mater!
Awwwww, what a sweet post! Totally brought tears to my eyes.
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