19 down 64 to go

Is this carrying the “until death do is part” thing a little far?

Couple has been married 83 years…

I seriously doubt if Sam could put up with me that long…although it would probably qualify her for instant sainthood. But the thought of having her all to myself for 83 years is a major turn-on.

They say they haven’t had an argument since 1946, something that Mayme attributes to the fact that her husband, who is 101, is the strong, silent type who isn’t given to argument. “That’s why we got along so well,” joked the 99-year-old Mayme. “He never spoke out of turn. I didn’t give him a chance.”

I can relate Clarence, I can relate. Although I’m pretty sure I have managed to get in few more arguments than old Clarence.

But their biggest challenge came in 1948, when Clarence was diagnosed with tuberculosis.
According to “The Catholic Spirit,” the newspaper of the archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Mayme promised that if her husband survived, she would attend Mass every day for the rest of her life.

You go girl! I'm thinking Clarence faked the TB to get her out of the house each day.

She kept it up for nearly 60 years, until the couple moved into a retirement home within the last year. Now, she’s down to two Masses a week, but she still says the rosary regularly — another daily ritual for nearly her entire life. She offered few secrets to long life and a long marriage, other than to say they never smoke or drank — both seemed a waste of money.

They must not be Irish

Their faith told them to stay faithful through thick and thin, and they did that. It also told them to be fruitful and multiply, and they did that, too.

I’ve got that part down.

Their six children — three have been married for 50 years or longer — begat 39 grandchildren, who begat 101 great-grandchildren, who have so far begotten 40 great-great-grandchildren. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 186 descendants.

Heck of a crowd at Christmas…no wonder they moved into a retirement home.
Sam always says she looks forward to growing old with me…I wonder if this is what she has in mind. I guess there are worse things to happen to one in life :)

Today is: "Awkward Moments Day" (I’m good at causing those), "Forgive Mom and Dad Day", "National Biodiesel Day"

Todays Workout/s: 7 mile run at lunch time.