A Very Special Day--June 24, 2021

 

When Dave and I got married in May, 2018, we were not able to get married in the church because his marriage had not been annulled in the Catholic Church.  He had not started the process and we knew that it would take some time for this to happen.  We decided that didn't want to wait for that to happen to get married because of our ages.  My marriage was annulled in the 1980's so I was okay.

He went through the process that summer and had to get letters from people that knew him and about his first marriage.  I never mention his ex, but she told Dave that she would do everything to prevent him from getting married in the church (even though she doesn't go to church) and she did fight it.  However, we received the news that the marriage was annulled last fall. 

Dave spoke with the priest here in Butte and he suggested we contact the parish in Gilbert.  I was told that in order to get married in Gilbert, we would have to go through nine months of pre-counseling.  That wasn't really something we wanted to do.  So Dave called Father Haffey again and he said to just wait until we got here this summer and we could do it here in Butte.

Two weeks ago we met with Father for about 20 minutes.  We filled out paperwork and set the date for Thursday at 5:00 at St. Ann's here in Butte.  John Uggetti, Dave's cousin, is the Deacon at St. Ann's so he agreed to perform the ceremony.  Dave's cousins, Maura and Chuck, stood up for us.  We invited several of his family and a couple of good friends to celebrate with us.

After the ceremony, we had everyone join us for dinner at the Rib and Chop House where Dave proposed to me.  We had reservations and they gave us a separate room and even put on the Suns game (which didn't end well).  The service and the food was wonderful.  We had seventeen people join us and it was such a wonderful evening.   

We are blessed to have found each other so late in life and I am truly blessed to have found such a good man who treats me so well and loves me unconditionally (as long as he gets to golf when he wants)!

Happy Father's Day to Dave!

 

My kids have never had a father figure in their lives until Dave.  It didn't happen until they were grown up and in they were adults.  I know at first it was difficult because I had raised them on my own and had been divorced for 39 years.  Dave never had children, but his many years in education has been so important.  That and his inherent kindness and acceptance has been such a blessing in my life. If it wasn't for Dave, I would not have been able to help them  with anything these past few years.

This past year has been exceptionally difficult with some issues that have been very hard to deal with.  Dave has been patient, supportive and loving to me and to our family.   He has been my rock and what we have been through and his continued love means so much to me.

And he has become a stepdad to our pugs. They are now Diego Uggetti and Seamus Uggetti according to the vet!!  They absolutely love him, as do the grandpugs.

I don't know what I would do without this wonderful man in my life.  He has helped me keep somewhat sane (and that is a big job)!  I am eternally grateful that he came into my life and I love how we get along and the life that we share.  Happy Father's Day to a man who stepped in to a rough situation and has done everything to make our lives better. Dave is a very good man!!!

A Dream Come True for Me

 

Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted a go cart or something like that  I remember always wanted to be able to drive.  My mom taught all of us (the cousins) to drive around the cabin way before we were able to get our driver's license.  In those days, it wasn't a big deal.  I started learning to drive when I was 13 and was able to drive right out of Douglas all the way to the cabin way before I had my license.  I will always remember when I turned 16 and had to wait a few days for the MVD to be open to get my really Driver's License.  

Through the years, I always wanted to go to do go carts or do anything with an ATV.  I never had many opportunities but it was in my blood.  I could never afford to buy anything so I just had to hope that someday maybe I could have something.

When my dear friend, Dottie, invited us to their home in Rocky Point, my favorite part was getting to take the ATV's on the beach and up the hill.  I loved it.

When Dave and I got married and started spending time in Butte, I loved how everyone drives their side by sides around town.  He isn't into that as golf is his passion.  So I had to do a lot of talking (and groveling).  

Last 4th of July, we went up to his cousins' house high above Butte.  John Casey took me out on their side by side and I was totally and truly hooked (yes, it is John's fault)!

So for the last year, I have whined and groveled.  When Dave had his back surgery, I was his nurse.  Being a nurse is definitely not my gig, but I did it and did it well.  So when we got to Butte, Dave decided that between his golfing and me being a nurse, I should be able to find a side by side. We looked into ones that were used and for sale and many of them were very expensive and way more sophisticated for someone like me.

Last Friday, we went to Staacks here in Butte. Dave went to high school with the owner.  We were able to get a great deal on a brand new one that is perfect for a beginner like me.  I absolutely love driving it.  I am trying to find trails and have had some help from his family.  However, it is street ready so I am driving it all over.  I caused quite a stir earlier this week when I went to pick up groceries at WalMart.  It has been fun.  I have found a trail (and there are so many around here) and am hoping to try it out tomorrow or Sunday.   

As I said, it is a dream come true for me.   Thank you, Dave!!

50 Years of Wedded Bliss!!

 

As I get older, more and more times I am invited or am able to congratulate friends and relatives on their 50th wedding anniversary.   All I can say is that in this day and age, that is an amazing accomplishment.  

On May 29th, we were able to celebrate my cousin (sister) Cecilia's and Jay's 50th.  It doesn't seem possible.  However, their marriage is one that I have always admired and have been in awe of the relationship they have.

Cecilia and I have been the best of friends for over 50 years.  I remember her dating different people through the years.  When I was first at ASU and so homesick, she would pick me up on Fridays and I would spend the weekend with them.  It was so much fun!  Cecilia knew (and still knows) how to have a good time. 

I remember when she and Jay first started dating.  It was obvious how much they cared about each other and in my opinion, it was a perfect match.

Throughout the years, my kids and hers were together much of the time when growing up and beyond. They were like first cousins.  Many of our holidays have been spent with the Phoenix cousins.

Cecilia and Jay are truly two of the best people I have ever known and I know that they are a phone call away if I ever need them (and that has happened many times)!

I know that this anniversary was bittersweet for Cecilia as she had just lost her dear sister, Marion, the week before and the funeral was on Thursday.  However, I am so glad that her kids went ahead with the fun evening to celebrate them.  I know Marion would have wanted that.

Lots of love to you both and your wonderful kids.  Thanks for always being there for me.  I can't ever express how much you both mean to me!