Betty Carmichael was certain that her husband had once again forgotten their anniversary, but she was determined not to accept it. She’d been married to Donald for fifty years, and she deserved better!
Despite spending the best years of her life with him, giving birth to three children, and enduring hardships, she received nothing in return. She didn’t even receive a bouquet of frayed daisies, let alone red roses.
Betty frowned as she looked at the wall clock. 21:30. He never returned home for the special dinner she had prepared! This was the last straw!
Trust is the foundation of each relationship, and doubt erodes the love that keeps it together.
Two hours later, Betty heard her husband’s car pull into the driveway and smiled grimly. Donald wasn’t going to enjoy his evening.
She immediately heard a shout: “BETTY!” “What is going on here?”
She marched outside and stood on the porch, fists on hips. “What Do You Want?” She asked.
Donald was standing in the garden, looking quite angry. He pointed to an old, worn-out recliner on the lawn, with many boxes of books and bric-a-brac.
“What are my things doing out on the lawn?” He asked. “Have You Run Mad, Woman?”
“Mad!” Betty screamed, prompting the lights in the house next door to turn on. “You should be angry!” Do You Have Alzheimer’s or Amnesia? I am kicking you out. “I am divorcing you!”
“Divorcing Me?” Donald gasped, stunned. “I’m seventy-eight years old, and you’re seventy-five. Do you want a divorce?”
“Yes!” Betty said angrily. “Do you think that since I’m 75 years old, I’m no longer a woman? Can you take me for granted? “Well, I won’t let you!”
“Betty,” Donald replied. “Be reasonable.” What is this all about?”
“You Forgot Our Anniversary AGAIN!” Betty said angrily. “We’ve been together for 50 years, and I need to remind you of my birthday. I understand that you weren’t present, but you were definitely there for me on my birthday.
“Bets,” Donald protested. “That Was The Happiest Day Of My Life…”
“Then Why Don’t You Remember It?” Betty asked. “Why don’t you bring me flowers and take me dancing?” Betty asked. You don’t love me anymore. “You haven’t loved me for years.”
Donald shook his head. “I love you, Betty,” he said. “You Are The Love Of My Life.”
“Then Why Didn’t You Come Home For Dinner?” Betty asked. I prepared a special dinner with candles and flowers, but you did not show up! Where were you? “Out with another woman?”
Donald grinned. “Yes,” he said, stepping aside. A slim girl in her twenties was there, with Betty’s blue eyes and Donald’s wide smile.
“Hannah!” Betty cried and ran down the stairs. She would have fallen if Donald had not caught her. She threw her arms around the girl and began to cry.
“Oh, Hannah,” she sobbed. “It’s been too long!” “I have missed you so much!”
“Hi, Gran Betty,” Hannah said. “I apologize for our late arrival, but my flight experienced a delay.” Poor Gran Donald waited for hours!”
Betty turned toward her husband. “You Knew She Was Coming, And You Didn’t Tell Me?” She protested.
“I didn’t know,” Donald said triumphantly. “I arranged it! The plan was to surprise you on your anniversary, but the flight arrived late… You’d been complaining about how much you miss your only grandchild, so I sent her a plane ticket!”
“Oh, Don!” Betty cried and hugged her husband. “I apologize!” “I started thinking crazy things,”
“Betty,” Donald said tenderly. “I Haven’t Looked At Another Woman In Fifty Years, And I’m Not About To Start Now.”
“Donald,” Betty said. “What did I do to deserve you?”
“I don’t know,” Don said. “But I can tell you we’re going to have a hell of a time getting all my stuff back in the house where it belongs!”
Don and Betty sat down for a midnight snack after tidying up with Hannah’s help. “By the way,” Donald said. “I’ve got another surprise for you.” Tomorrow night, we’re having a party with all of our children and friends. I have arranged for Father Bartholomew to attend so that we can renew our vows.”
“But what’m I going to wear?” Betty gasped.
“I Don’t Know About The Dress, But I Have A Ring!” “I don’t know about the dress, but I have a ring!” Don exclaimed, then bent down and took out a small jewelry box. “Betty Delancy Carmichael, Will You Marry Me Again?”
The Carmichaels celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in style the next day, with Betty looking stunning in a lovely cream suit and a little veil. As Donald kissed her, she promised to never doubt him again for the rest of her life.
Trust is the cornerstone of each relationship, and doubt erodes the love that keeps it together. Betty began to believe that Don no longer loved her, unaware that he had a pleasant surprise in store for her.
Marriage is about every day, not just on special occasions. Betty forgot that Don was always there for her, even during difficult times.