Lynn and Steve: “Summing up fifty years of marriage in three words” is a serious challenge.  (Stephanie, what were you thinking?!)

Steve: Laughter, passion and friendship.

Lynn and I have been friends forever and just depend on each other.  Our passion for each other grows deeper and more inflamed every day.  And somehow no matter what life brings us, a little laughter between ourselves or with our friends and family seem to make even the biggest problems a little smaller and certainly more manageable.

Lynn:  Respect, compassion and intimacy. 

I respect my precious husband for his infinite patience, intelligence, calm and reassuring manner, generous  spirit, and his desire assist those in need.

In addition to the passion we share, we also feel compassion for one another and figuratively ‘lock arms’ when one or both of us experience the proverbial bumps in the road of this life.  Steve’s optimism in difficult life situations is contagious, and when I feel low he never fails to find a way to boost my spirits.

People often equate the word ‘intimacy’ with sexual situations, and it certainly can refer to that.  But in the last 50 years, Steve and I have also experienced the intimacy that comes from sharing small living spaces, preparing for the birth of four babies, seeing one another at our best—and worst,  and true understanding, acceptance and compassion for one another.