Thursday, February 05, 2009

Husb & Me

Today is our 32 wedding anniversary. We met on St. Patrick's Day, in 1976 at a bar in Palo Alto, California. I was an international flight attendant; he worked for Hewlett-Packard in Personnel. One year later, we married (at Lake Tahoe, wearing blue jeans) and moved (with his job) to Corvallis, Oregon. We lived there 8 years, and then moved to Seoul, South Korea (with his job) for two and a half years. Then to Los Angeles (Marina del Rey--loved it!) for a year and a half, then, in 1989 to San Diego, where Don became Personnel Manager at HP. I worked full time in graphics and marketing. We lived very well. Traveled. Wore nice clothes. Then in 1992, at the age of 46, Don had a brain aneurysm. He had brain surgery, was hospitalized for a month, and had 7 years of language therapy to try to learn to speak, read and write again. Needless to say, it turned our world upside down. We had to RE-create a life for ourselves (since Don is permanently disabled because of his aphasia). Why am I telling you all this? Well, today, our 32nd wedding anniversary marks 16 years since Don’s brain injury. For half of our 32 years, he has been brain injured. It’s amazing to me. As you know, from reading my blog, we have a wonderful life! We are so very happy, and live an exciting, productive life together. It wasn’t easy, especially those first years, but we made it. Definitely cause to celebrate!
(This photo is our most recent, taken December 2008. I promise to get a better one!)

25 comments:

  1. That is a beautiful story ... it is just a reminder that frequently the things we feel are the huge disasters in our life can actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Congratulations on 32 years!

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  2. Congratulations! What a heart warming story. Thank you for sharing it with us!

    I am enrolled in your joggles class which starts today... I am so excited! See you on-line.

    Debbie L

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  3. Happy Anniversary, Jane! I remember you telling me that story at Art Unraveled last year and I was lucky enough to meet and spend some time with you and husband - Life is never predictable and it's one more reminder to me that we must live in the moment, have gratitude for what we have, and live each day to the fullest - many blessings to you both - hugs - Reva (Los Angeles)
    PS. Your sketching/watercolor class I took last year at AU 2008 opened a new window for me and allowed me to stretch into an area of my art that I didn't think I could do - so thank you for that!

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  4. Congratulations Jane and Don - and thank you for sharing your personal story. I too am a past student, having done your Art Quilt course a couple of years ago, which was a turning point for me, I rarely make large traditional quilts anymore, but lots of smaller textile things still. Several of my Journal Quilts will be on show with others at the Australian Quilt Convention later this month, something I would never have imagined happening! So thanks for too! Sue

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  5. Oh Happy Anniversary Jane and Don, and I can't imagine a more wonderful couple, perfect for each other!!!! Hers to another 32!!
    Sandy in CT

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  6. Happy Anniversary. Wishing you both many more.

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  7. Happy Anniversary to both of you, Jane and Don. That's an amazing story--you've certainly taken lemons and made lemonade with 'em! Life takes us in such unexpected turns, and we never know what's ahead. I truly believe it's what we do with what happens to us that matters in the end, and you've both done beautifully.

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  8. Congratulations ! Two amazing milestones. Your story is inspirational and I appreciate your courage and generosity in sharing it. This is a good time for me to express the pleasure I get following your work, your experiments, and your Mundo Lindo classes. (I am the one who sent you the papier mache gymnast project.)Wendy

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  9. Happy Anniversary to both of you and congratulations on your accomplishments. Hopefully there are 32 more years lined up out there full of the same joy.

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  10. What Grace! Congratulations and Happy Anniversary.

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  11. Happy Anniversary! And thanks for sharing the story with us.
    Marlis

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  12. and the amazing thing is, when I first met you and Don ... I would never have known he had aphasia. or had had the brain aneurysm. your love and caring and support, Jane, I'm sure played a major role in his recovery ... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Jane ... and thank you for sharing your / Don's story with us. Hugs to you both -- Davi

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  13. Happy Anniversary, Jane. Big hugs to you both! xox - Wendee

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  14. I hope you had a wonderful anniversary! And I am glad you have both been able to walk through the challenges you have been given. I am always inspired when I hear stories where people have overcome tragedy, adversity... anyone can go through a life that doesn't challenge them, but folks like you I believe are enriched, and find ways to become stronger and appreciate the gifts we are given!
    Bless you both,

    Judy

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  15. Happy, happy anniversary to both of you! You are both amazing folks -- thank you for sharing your selves with the world.

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  16. thanks VERY much everyone for your warm wishes. I really appreciate it.
    xoxo

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  17. Happy Anniversary you two. I think getting married in blue jeans may have been part of the key. Life just isn't much of the way you have it planned. The adventure and the journey make better stories and memories than the plans. I am happy you enjoy each other so much. May you have another 32 years together.
    Denise

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  18. Happy Anniversary to you both! I admire so much how you describe the way in which the 2 of you met the challenges of disability. I know from experience with my Dad (and with my partner of 3 years who is post-treatment for prostate cancer) how difficult - and potentiallylife-enriching this can be.
    Ilene London,www.theinneri.blogspot.com

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  19. Your courage and love always inspires me, not to mention that you wear red shoes and your talent blows me away!!!

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  20. darn, when will I learn to read what i've written before I send! it should be inspire...

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  21. wow.... happy belated anniversary! you guys are heroes, and Jane thanks for the inspiration...

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  22. What a wonderful story!
    I notice you have a February anniversary and are a Libra, year of the Tiger and an artist. I too have similar Horoscope, wedding anniversary and my hubby has suffered brain injuries too!
    I love reading your blog and seeing you on Quilting Arts TV!

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  23. Iread the CPS post about 'your stury' and wondered what it could be. Having read this I see its quite unusual . I too have been married 32 years this July. We met in 1976 too, in October and were married the following year. I am full of admiration for youir triumph over adversity.
    x

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  24. 32 years? I remember you posted a pix of Don at the beach and I thought what a great life you too have. Here's to 2nd 32 years!

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