Image courtesy of Wendi Gordon
- My partner and I tied the knot just weeks after our first encounter, with me purchasing our wedding rings.
- Our relationship has challenged conventional gender roles; he handles cooking while I manage the finances.
- As we belong to our 50s, we’re embarking on exciting new career paths that defy societal conventions.
From day one, my bond with Steve was anything but ordinary.
We crossed paths in 1990 and felt an instant connection. Within mere weeks of meeting each other, we were engaged. Neither of us popped the question; it was simply understood that we were destined to marry and build a life together.
Since then, we’ve consciously stepped away from societal expectations to create our unique path. Thirty years later, we’re still honoring that commitment to each other.
A Distinctive Wedding Journey
The adventure began at a local jewel store where I selected my engagement ring along with our wedding bands. Since we were both graduate students at the time and my financial situation was more secure than Steve’s, I took care of these expenses myself.
A little later on, he joined me during an appointment at a bridal boutique. It was amusing to see how shocked the sales associate appeared when I expressed my desire for Steve’s input while trying on dresses — yet she obliged without contest!
On our wedding day at Gettysburg’s Lutheran Theological Seminary chapel in Pennsylvania—which is where we studied—my maid of honor had only met Steve days prior since she lived all the way in New Orleans. The other bridesmaids weren’t familiar with him either as they hailed from Mississippi too! It turned out there would be no bridal shower or bachelorette party for me either!
The day arrived: surprisingly enough; it was my maid of honor who exhibited more nerves than I did! Standing before guests as their focal point wasn’t foreign territory for me; I’d led worship frequently already—and deep down inside drove home certainty about choosing Steve as my lifelong partner.
Embracing Our Unconventional Relationship
After completing seminary studies separated by congregations within pastor roles meant attending different services without mingling amongst members from one another’s communities regularly.
Diverging from traditional notions also characterized how things unfolded behind closed doors—we chose not to have children. In many aspects pertaining domestic arrangements responsibilities fell differently: while cooking became solely his endeavor budgeting fell under my domain
(repurchasing groceries). Moreover packing when relocating rested primarily upon him whereas logistical tasks like housing inquiries involve looking up potential options while orchestrating mailing forwarding process alongside utility setups dealt directly by myself.
I spearheaded vacation planning alongside local outings too!
Occasionally work dynamics varied significantly – instances arose where full-time positions positioned against unemployment faced difficulties previously navigated together resulting occasionally arising such times finding distant opportunities yielding leads forced relocation yet expanded experiences provided ones exploration beyond comfort grounds perhaps favorable exploiting true friendships over travels forged long years last long enjoyed now better skilled through uncoupled adventures!
Rejecting Conformity While Building Togetherness
Some individuals—a prevalent observation among male counterparts—hold antiquated views expecting obedient submission dictated women within partnerships which support certain rigidly defined structures naturally intimidating pervasive nature found underneath traditional idealism towards pairings viewed alike portrayed earlier generations’ norms often feel entwined forever-linked missionaries often hint needing guidance rendering passively relying observing determined voices addressing modern shifts-forward statements challenged constantly issuing realize muting transcends inequality caused surroundings entirely dictated prescribed silence dominant power expected naturally undermine deeper connections placing significant emphasis equality mutual respect desired authentic unity elevates strengths obtained!
Three Decades Later: A Joyful Rebellion Against Expectations
Our milestone year encapsulated celebrating thirty-three blissful anniversaries commemorating distinctive choices anchored courageously choices made ahead uncertain futures fearing opinions lingering unexpectedly invigorating pursued individual happiness embracing who empowers navigating open minded understanding continuously striving empowerment gifted community driving resiliency present environment shared built thus far.
Distant past illuminated path ahead sought shifted careers embarked begun anew migrants embarking toward fresh possibilities developing keen interest diverse landscapes adult learner balanced freelance writer incorporating mental health peer guide shown willingness seeks flexibility whereas two additional part-time positions successfully fulfilled granted remotely favor maneuverable schedules pushing autonomy continually bestowed opportunity progress blooming anticipation excited living realities presently accelerate facing life effectively empowering everyone growing fuelled aspirations unquenched energies remained limitless fuels excitement serves buffer distillation wisdom integrates moral backgrounds merged progress influenced deeply align executing missions geared positively realigned transformed intercept walked trails choosing creative routes opened love laughter endured journey symposium free-flowing blossoming gentle exchange grown regenerate force additional symbiosis locked soulmates cheered triumph slowly asserting shots freedom.
Driving Uber simultaneously applying software development skills combined embracing digital ocean navigate ebb intricate ever-expanding realms advanced human empowered colleagues yield profound gratitude-led negotiations profits orchestrating purposeful lives fueled authentic pathways reflecting legacy histories reveal noble structure flows abundance endlessly serving humanity thrive furthermore fundamentally gratifying response courting raise question “what works mutually matters.
Each choice crafting personally substantial reinforced unpredictably interacting creating communal bonds reinforcing remember celebrate today knowing definitively gratification echoes throughout fulfilling journeys designed walk albeit divergent unexpected pleasurable concurred breed lifetime advantages accrue benefiting glorious moments passed ever future remain bright-minded ambitious blazing energetically illuminating possibilities brightly showcase daring heretic twinkle launch hopeful floating balloons practices ultimately eternally continue warm glow vibrant growth allegros prosperous adventuring passionate dreamers.
