Today is Saint Patrick’s Day and while it will be a time for some to party and celebrate, it means a little something extra to me and mine.
It was 34 years ago today that I gave Sara a little bitty diamond ring and looked into those brown eyes and promised to be hers forever.
Yes, we exchanged vows before God and a church full of family and friends in June, but it was that night that I made the best deal of my life with Sara Reid.
The Proposal
I was living in Starkville and working for the newspaper there.
I had quietly bought a diamond ring and had it in a little box. I had a date with Sara that night and big plans.
Then my Editor told me I had to go cover Senatorial candidate Wayne Dowdy speaking to the Starkville Business and Professional Women that evening.
I couldn’t cancel this date! I carried her to that event. Then raced back to the office and wrote that story in record time.
We went to Harvey’s for a late meal. Sara had on a white top, short raspberry skirt and black hose. A guy doesn’t forget things like that!
It didn’t seem right to give that ring - something so personal - in a restaurant full of strangers. So it was back to my apartment and the couch.
I didn’t get down on one knee and I don’t remember exactly what I said either.
I do remember her saying “Thank you!” as the tears streamed down her face.
Three decades and four
My mother and father were married for more than 50 years. Sara’s mother and father were married for just about as many.
We were lucky to have seen marriage modeled in front of us growing up.
Three states, eight newspapers, four boys and countless days and night together have come and gone.
Sara has always been by my side.
She married me knowing I was a poor little newspaper reporter, and that career and that paycheck has not been easy on us.
Clarksdale has been the latest stop. It’s no secret Sara was not keen on coming to the Delta. Sara is not a socialite, she is quiet and prefers a night at home with family and friends. It’s funny how opposites attract.
Clarksdale is not an easy town for older folk. Yes, the Blues, the nightlife and festivals are fun for younger people. Sara and I passed that point many years ago.
But where I go, Sara follows.
Why she picked me, I do not know.
Married forever
My oldest son has found the love of his life and they have been married four years. Jacob, Daniel and James have not found the right girl yet.
I remember when I first got married listening to my buddies, who had been married for a couple of years, warn me that things would change in our relationship and I probably wouldn’t like it. I also had men who had been married 20, 30, 40 years tell me, “stick with it boy and make it work.”
I didn’t understand it then. I do now.
Did I say that Sara’s maiden name was Reid, she had red hair and an Irish temper? And can any other woman in the world imagine being married to me?
No, it has not been perfect. I’m not perfect, She’s not perfect. But I firmly believe we are perfect for each other.
Marriage and what it means has changed a lot in the 30-years Sara and I have been together.
Some men live with a woman for years without getting married or live with several women and never tie the knot.
As the social fabric of this world frays, I am so blessed by the memories and moments that still bind my marriage tight.
Floyd Ingram is editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. You can call him at 627-2201 today, but he goes home to Sara tonight.
