We Celebrate Three Anniversaries
Labor Day is One
Anniversaries are a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, marking the enduring moments that shape our lives. Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating not one, but three significant anniversaries in our journey of love. While Valentine's Day, the day we met, has always held a special place in our hearts, another date that we hold dear is Labor Day.
Valentine's Day: A Fateful Meeting
Our journey through anniversaries and cherished memories wouldn't be complete without diving into the very beginning, the moment that sparked it all. It was Valentine's Day, 1982, when my husband Mark and I crossed paths, and our lives changed forever.
I still remember that afternoon vividly. I was standing on the balcony of La Paloma Theater in Encinitas, California, just moments before a play in which I was performing was set to begin. The title was "Pandora: If Transformation is Supposed to Be So Much Fun Why Am I Gritting My Teeth?" and proceeds were dedicated to the World Hunger Project. As I contemplated my role in the play and, in a way, my own transformation, I noticed Mark setting up a video camera to document the performance.
Our eyes met, and little did I know, but Mark knew right away that I was "the one." You see, nine months prior to that fateful evening, he had made a wish upon a quartz crystal, shaped like a pyramid, which he wore on a silver chain around his neck. He named his video production company after it – Crystal Pyramid Productions. His wish was simple: to meet his soulmate on or before Valentine's Day, and there I was, standing before him on that very day.
I couldn't help but strike up a conversation with him, asking if he planned to attend the cast party. Mark, to my surprise, declined, explaining that he had already committed to having dinner with his mom, who was preparing heart-shaped hamburgers and pink milk. His commitment to his family impressed me, even though it was clear that he was interested in getting to know me better.
Three days later, as tradition dictated, Mark called me and asked me out to dinner. That date marked the beginning of our beautiful journey together.
On the following Saturday morning, we embarked on a hike to the local mountains, sharing moments of tranquility by a stream, and even witnessing a white owl fly out of a nearby oak tree. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we sat hand in hand on a large boulder, basking in the tangerine glow of twilight.
It was during that serene moment that Mark extended an invitation that would change our lives forever—a backpacking trip to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Fiji. Without hesitation, I said yes, setting in motion a two-month adventure "down under."
1987: The Year of Mountain Biking and Union Work
Back in 1987, Mark and I found ourselves deeply immersed in two seemingly divergent worlds. We were passionate mountain bikers, riding the rugged terrains, conquering steep hills, and descending treacherous slopes. At the same time, I was working as an office manager at SEIU Local 535, representing nurses and social workers
The Marriage Decision: Beyond Just a Piece of Paper
For years, Mark and I had been living together, content with our commitment without the need for a formal marriage. To us, marriage was often seen as nothing more than a piece of paper. However, life has its way of presenting new perspectives and needs.
The turning point came when, since we were starting to participate in mountain bike racing, I wanted to ensure that Mark was covered by my insurance policy. Part of my employment package with Local 535 included medical insurance, eyecare, and an IRA. But Mark would have to be my husband in order to be added to my policy. Now we faced a deadline. In order to acquire that necessary "piece of paper" to secure his coverage, we had to get married in the next two weeks.
We Elope: July 23, 1987
With the decision made, we embarked on a unique journey of our own. On July 23, 1987, surrounded by close friends and family members, we "eloped" in the mountains on our beloved mountain bikes. It was an unconventional wedding, but it felt perfect for us. The natural beauty of the mountains bore witness to our commitment, and the joy of the occasion was shared with those closest to our hearts.
Labor Day: A Celebration of Family and Togetherness
A little over a month after our mountain bike wedding, Labor Day arrived. On this special day, our clans gathered to commemorate our union, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
Labor Day, a day originally dedicated to the labor movement and the contributions of workers, took on a new significance for us. As it was also my father’s birthday, it became a symbol of family, togetherness, and the importance of the bonds we create. Our celebration was a reminder that marriage isn't just about paperwork; it's about the love, support, and connection we share with those who matter most to us.
Conclusion
As we celebrate these three anniversaries – Valentine's Day, Labor Day, and the day we eloped in the mountains – we are reminded of the diverse experiences and moments that have woven the tapestry of our love story.
We invite you to join us in celebrating not just the milestones, but the journey itself, because it's moving together along our chosen path that has made our love stronger with each passing day.
What a beautiful story that is still being written!