Dec 24 2001
11th Anniversary
Happy anniversary to us!
Eleven years ago today, we were married at my father’s house. Here’s
Dad and me after the ceremony. It was such a happy day. I didn’t have the slightest fear or worry, just happiness.
Dad gave a charming toast to us — short and affectionate. Here are his notes, written in his own hand, and the text of it is as follows:
“Complaints were once made to Theodore Roosevelt about the conduct of his daughter. He replied, “I can run my daughter, or I can run the country, but I cannot do both.” Environment Canada has just launched its comprehensive Green Plan. I talked to my minister about my problems and we came up with Rufus.
Susan does [have] some good points — long pause — she likes good wine, — short pause — good food, and can cook. She also has her faults — takes out stacks of file cards — but you don’t want to hear me talk all evening while the champagne gets warm and the food cold. So I will just wish the newly married couple every happiness.”
Last year, we went on our grand tour of Europe for our 10th anniversary. It was the honeymoon we never had, and it was a wonderful trip. We spent the day itself in Paris, and Dad called me that morning to wish me happy anniversary. And a year later, the day is here again, but he isn’t.
But I am so glad he was there to give me away at my wedding, and to share our joy that day, and to know how very happy we are together. Of the many things we had in common, perhaps the best was that we both were so happily married. And I will always have the memories.