I am no philosopher – but I am happy

“By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.” – Socrates 

I am no philosopher – but I am happy. That should tell you all you need to know!

Last night we attended the Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration dinner at HMCS Prevost.  Each year we celebrate BOA it is special. It is special to mark the end of that six year conflict and pray for and end to conflict and war everywhere. But for us each year it is special because it always falls on our wedding anniversary.  It is also neat because Catherinanne wore her Naval Mess kit when we wed. Now every year on the weekend of our wedding anniversary Catherinanne outs on her wedding outfit – and out we go. I think it is pretty special that she still looks great in her wedding attire from 17 years ago. I told the church this morning that I would not attempt to fit in the outfit I wore to our wedding 17 years ago – it would be like trying to put 20 lbs of sausage in a 10 lbs skin!

But I digress. This year seemed a little extra special. I am not sure why. I think it may have to do with living in the Forest City. We were married at St. Peter’s Basilica in downtown London. Heading out the door at 545 pm last night I could not help but think about how we were getting up from our dinner together at Ahso Gardens (now burned down) on the night of our wedding. It was neat to be within a kilometer or two of the church at 7:30 pm knowing that 17 years ago we were walking down the aisle together.

As we shared the details of our wedding with our table guests, the officer at my right says, “well that means I was in a sword party waiting for your wedding to be over.” I had almost forgotten the time honoured naval tradition of having the bride and groom walk beneath an arch of swords. Now I was breaking bread all those years later with a member of that sword party. It was a good night last night – it was an even better night on May 04, 1996! We had so much fun that day – a lot of laughs. A beautiful liturgy at St Peters with an Anglican and Roman Priest, an Anglican and a Roman Choir, trumpets, violins, pipe organ … It was a music event! Riding around town with my buddy Craig, Dad and Mom, two sisters, and my brother and his wife was just hilarious. A wonderful reception at Wolesley Barracks. It was a wonderful night.

Catherinanne is a great partner and loving wife. I am pleased to see her in her ‘wedding gown’ annually – it reminds me of how very beautiful she is and how exciting that day was. More than that it reminds me how fortunate I am to have someone with me on this journey who shares my faith and understands me – complicated ….and simple… as I can be.   Thank you Catherinanne – I love you!

I am no philosopher – But I am happy! I Got a good one!