A lot can happen in fifty-eight years. We put a man on the moon. The Vietnam war ended; badly. Personal computers, the internet, smart phones and electric cars came into our lives. A vacant lot now boasts a house and mature trees, our home for the past fifty years. Children grow up and have children who grow up. Isolation during the pandemic tested faith and patience. And two people who had no clue in 1966 have grown and changed and tested love, and by the Grace of God are still in love, still married.
The joys of a first apartment, a first house, a first new car pale compared to the ecstasy over a first child, and the second one. Working and sweating together on the house or the garden, PTA and Girl Scout meetings, family trips, graduations and weddings; all the joys experienced together.
The pain when loved ones died, the anxiety of childhood illnesses, the loss of old friends. The fears and anxious nights when a car crash ends in flight for life, when a heart attack comes, when cancer strikes, when jobs are lost, when the money gets tight.
But Grace, always Grace, over and around and in all the joy and pain. Sustaining Grace, redeeming Grace that keeps two flawed people true to their vows.
We celebrated with a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant. The bill for the meal totaled more than our combined weekly paychecks back in the 60s. An early evening; quiet contemplation; “I love you.”
We are not the same as we were. We have a clue now. Vows mean something. Nothing works very well without God. Love grows, from sparks and excitement to a well-settled fire that gives warmth and comfort. Love is strong. God is stronger. Happy Anniversary indeed!
Robert Frohlich 
Congratulations and happy anniversary, Robert and Marleen! Fifty-eight years of marriage is not only an incredible milestone but more importantly a fantastic testimony before all the young marrieds and about-to-be-marrieds who are witness to your milestone. In this age of easy separation and divorce, living together without benefit of marriage, and selfish ego-centric lifestyles, your anniversary is both a rebuke and an encouragement. May you have many more. (Connie and I are far behind you but going strong at 47!)
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Every year of a faithful marriage is a milestone worth celebrating.
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Happy Anniversary !! Melt my heart … God is GOOD !! You are seriously what #couplegoals are all about !! Thank you ❤
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Happy Anniversary to you both! Being there for each other in these golden years may turn out to be the best part.
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Very well done indeed! Praise God he was with you both all the way, we can do all things through Christ … God bless you both, congratulations!
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What a great milestone to celebrate!
“Love grows, from sparks and excitement to a well-settled fire that gives warmth and comfort.” Robert, that’s a beautiful sentiment and testimony to all others. I hope you’re blessed with many more years together.
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Congratulations on your anniversary! Beautiful post!!! Wishing you God’s blessings always!
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Congrats! Well done, and a great read 😎
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58 years and still in love! What a blessing it is! (Probably a greater blessing than you will ever know.) Blessings, Robert!
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