July 16, 1965 dawned a clear, hot blue-skied day. I was a mere 19 year old bride, excited to take my vows with my fiance, George William Rudberg, Jr. He went by Bill with his friends and family. By George at work and he had no problem switching from one name to the other. Little did I know when I took those vows what my future would be like, for none of us do. But it was a good ride with the normal troubles and trials, joys and sorrows. But we did it together, Bill and I.
We had two surviving children, who produced grandchildren for us to love.
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| July 16, 1965 |
I didn't anticipate this photo taken on Father's Day, 2005, would be our last photo together where Bill was in a healthy state. No, we were just enjoying Father's Day at our daughter and son in law's home. I'm glad we didn't know the future. We had a wonderful time that day, little did we know soon, pain and sorrow would be our future.
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| June 19, 2005 |
I'm not sorry I took those vows those many years ago now. For I would have missed out on the ride of a lifetime. Learning many things--like riding a motorcycle. Like rappelling off of Rooster Rock. Like climbing mountains. Backpacking. Fishing in the ocean. Taking flying lessons. Flying many hours in a small plane with Bill--the best pilot in the world--in my eyes, anyway. Loving much. I'll see you again, dear Bill. In heaven. But for now, I'll think about what was. What might have been. What is.
