32 Years and Counting…
32 Years Ago We Said, “I Do.”
Today is our 32nd anniversary and I’m in
Amsterdam and Dick is in Seattle. But Sunday we will begin our celebration on a
cruise to Alaska. The story of crewmembers lives—celebrations rarely happen on the actual date.
Being married 32-years to Dick Petitt has been one heck of
ride and I would not have missed it for the world. Watching our daughters grow into
beautiful women and become incredible mothers has been a highlight for both of us.
How do you stay married so long and in this aviation industry with AIDS (Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome) so rampant? By going that extra mile. There
is nothing easy about being married with kids and running a household when half the team leaves the country monthly. Patience and understanding are a valued theme.
Making the commitment to stay together creates a bond like
no other. I won’t tell you it’s been 32-years of marital bliss—how boring would
that be. In reality it has been 32-years of excitement, adventure, laughter, tears,
frustrations, sorrows, and joy—exactly what makes the marriage so much fun and
worth every moment. And then the grandkids come... and it gets that much better.
Making it through the rough times creates a bond that holds it all together. When you make a commitment to the family and to each other—it just works.
And at the end of the day, when you can sit back and laugh
at the memories, share the tears, and know that someone is by your side forever
and four days—you know that the world is as it should be.
The time has flown by. Making it 32 years, we know there is nothing that we can’t do standing by each others side. We are flying forward, fearless into the future—together.
Happy Anniversary Dick!
I’m looking forward to the next 32 years...
I’m looking forward to the next 32 years...
I Love You!
Enjoy the Journey ... we are.
XO Karlene
Congrats on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteToo bad you had to be away for it.
All the best to you both!
Thank you Bill! Yes... part of the reason we lasted so long is I always say, "I am so sorry I'm not home!" He says, "Don't worry. We'll celebrate when you get back."
DeleteHappy Anniversary Karlene...
ReplyDeleteYou were born together, and together you shall be for evermore... but let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you...Happy Anniversary Dick and Karlene.
Andrew, this is so beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful wish!
Deleteso great to see your pictures! You're right - marriage is some of the hardest work you'll ever love! We're coming up on 41 years. I hope you have 32 more years too! Happy Anniversary Karlene!!
ReplyDelete41 years!!! Wow! A huge congratulations to you too! Yes... the hardest work we'll ever love. I really like that. Thank you!
DeleteCongratulations to a great couple! I love you both! Kathy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kath! We love you too!!!
DeleteCongratulations Dick and Karlene!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! Celebration to come.
DeleteAww!! Happy Anniversary!!!
ReplyDeleteKarlene, you are always beautiful on the photos. I love the cockpit one.
Time flies for certain things... I remember last year's 31st anniversary post. And now... 32nd. It's unbelievable. Plus, I find fascinating how you and Dick managed to be together strongly having in mind that effect you mentioned above.
You know what? I wish you and Dick happiness, health, laughter, greatness, inspiration, light and joy! All the best things in life!
Happy Anniversary!!! YAAY!!! \O/
Alex.
Thank you so much Alex!!! I love the cockpit one too because you can't see me. :) lol. Time does fly...and before you know it, it's gone. Don't give up one minute of living.
DeleteThis is awesome. Thanks for sharing, Karlene. What a great role model you are for the younger generations. Just the other day my mother was asking why the younger gens don't stay married and I think you summed it up perfectly: commitment. So, it's wonderful that you're willing to share so much of your life and be a light.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Syd! Yes... I think it is commitment. It's too easy to walk away. Not that there are not valid reasons and times that you just can't hang in there... it's so individual. But when you do make it through the tough times... the long term... there is so much light.
DeleteHappy Anniversary Karlene & Dick!
ReplyDeleteIt almost made me cry, reading this blog post. So personal, and so.. RIGHT!
A marriage is full of everything, from laughter to crying, from happiness to sorrow, from blue skies to overcast and poor visibility. I guess (yes, only guessing at this point in life lol) that's what makes a marriage so special. Knowing that there is someone there no matter what.
My grandparents just celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Looking at the divorce rates now, my grandparent's marriage stands as a lighthouse of hope for my generation too. It is possible to make it work, if both agrees they will make it work!
I think intention and dedication has a lot to do with that.
That being said, I hope you both have the best celebration when you return to Seattle from Europe!
Lots of love to both of you from all of us Larsens in Norway :)
Cecilie, your grandparents are a lighthouse! Thank you so much for the beautiful comment. You said it the best... just like the weather, we get it all. And if we're going to run away from the rainy days... we'll never enjoy the sunshine that follows.
DeleteSend all the Larsens in Norway love from us too!! Looking forward to seeing you again.
Wow! Continued success, Karlene! All the best to both you and Dick.
ReplyDeleteBryan
Bryan, thank you so much!!!
DeleteCongratulations on the anniversary! I've always been curious as to how you maintained your family, especially as a mother, having to be away so frequently. Knowing you though, I can see exactly why it worked. You positive attitude keeps shining through!
ReplyDeleteI know that you'll have an awesome anniversary trip in Alaska! Tell Dick I said congrats and to have a great trip!
Thanks for sharing with us, have a safe flight back,
-Swayne
Thank you Swayne~ The airline life did not go without sacrifice for the career too. Change of career paths...Four years teaching while the kids were small without seniority so I would have a better schedule was one such example. One of my girlfriends stayed FO for her entire career to manage the family and make it work for her husband's job.
DeleteI think with male pilots....they pick up the family and move to the job. When there are two working parents... in my generation... the women flexed the career. But to have a career and support of a husband was awesome.
In hindsight, everything worked out perfect. And my sacrifices are nothing that a man couldn't do for his family too. The world is shifting more toward the team concept. Equal partners with raising the kids and the priorities of the jobs.
Kind of like CRM in the home. You're growing up in a great time for everything!
Thank you for the happy wishes!
That is great. In a world where many people cant make it 32 days, you and your family are a superstars!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rob!!!
DeleteThat is so cool Karlene! Way to go guys!
ReplyDeleteBrent
Thanks Brent! Now... on to the next adventure.
DeleteHappy Anniversary, Karlene.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!!!
DeleteHappy anniversary Karlene! You've got a gorgeous family. 32 years in this industry is quite a feat! Wishing you many more years of marital adventure. Enjoy your cruise!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chet! Yes... I am quite in love with this gorgeous family for sure!
DeleteKarlene, this is such a beautiful post! Even though you were miles apart you were together on your anniversary through spirit, love, and all of the great times you have shared for the past 32 years. Yes, celebrate after.
ReplyDeleteYou should share many, many more!
Thank you Jeremy!! We will! And now... heading to Alaska on a cruise. :) Much needed rest.
DeleteSO many congratulations! You two are the best--way to go! Beautiful tribute, Karlene. I am so impressed with how you and Dick are together. (Love the pictures, too) Happy, Happy Anniversary (3 days late--sorry!!) May you be having the time of your life on the Alaskan cruise right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Linda! No worries on the lateness... I was late to the party too. Many hugs from NCL!!!
DeleteThank you so much!!!
ReplyDelete