This guy…is going to be annoyed with me when he sees these photos…
It’s his own fault, of course, because he found this cool app that scans old photos very easily using a smartphone. Which means you all get to see what a hottie he was at nineteen…
I can’t tell you how well he looks after me. Or how grateful I am that he’s still in my life 35 years after we met, and that occasionally, he looks at me like this…
…and this…
As some of you already know, he’s had a rough time health-wise these past few years. Please don’t ask about it, as it’s not really my story to tell. But sometimes watching him in pain overwhelms me. I remember asking him years ago, in a weak moment, why so much stuff was happening to our family. Just as we were coming up for air after Small Man’s cancer and other health issues, Pete’s illness pulled us back under again.
My zen, philosophical husband was genuinely puzzled by the question.
“Babe, I think we’re very lucky. Our lives are perfect..” he said.
“You and I are closer than we’ve ever been, our sons love us and are still at home and want to spend time with us. We have a place to live, good friends and food to eat. What more could you ask for?”
I cried and cried, because he was, as always, completely right.
And I remembered that this was what I’d fallen madly in love with. It wasn’t just that he looked like a rock star at nineteen, or wielded a razor sharp wit that made me laugh and cry at the same time. It was his incredible mental discipline that appealed to my scattered, anxious, melodramatic nature. His strength under fire, his almost unfailingly positive outlook on the world, and his willingness to accept whatever life throws our way.
Over the years, we’ve faced our fair share of adversity together. I frequently quote that line from the final episode of M.A.S.H. where BJ tells Hawkeye…”I can’t imagine what this place would have been like if I hadn’t found you here”. Because whenever things have become too big for me to deal with, Pete has always been there. He was the one who held our screaming baby down inside nuclear imaging machines; he was the one who sat with my dad in hospital when Mum and I couldn’t cope anymore.
Then there’s this photo…
Big Boy was only six months old at the time and Pete was completely smitten. He used to come home from work at 7pm every night and wake him up to play – it drove me mental, but how could I say no? He’d missed a whole day’s worth of father-son time.
I’ve never known any boys to adore their father as much as mine do. They don’t actually need to say anything, because they’ve both tried so hard to be him. Which is great for me, because it means that they treat me as Pete does, with gentle teasing and great affection. And as you can see from the pic below, I appear to be nothing more than a cloning chamber…
So as I sit here, looking at all the old photos we’ve been scanning, I keep asking myself… how did this great and amazing thing happen? How did I meet this gorgeous man at eighteen, get to spend a lifetime with him, and still be completely besotted with him all these years later? It had to have been a miracle. ♥
. . . . .
Westley: Hear this now: I will always come for you.
Buttercup: But how can you be sure?
Westley: This is true love, you think this happens every day?The Princess Bride, 1987
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Just beautiful Celia 💜 I can feel your love oozing in every word. Did you have a tear as you typed?
In some ways I could say snap. I often feel an angel brought my darling heart to me and together we have faced some truly heartbreaking times together. Our eldest daughter was born with a disability and sadly died when she was 10, but we are grateful because she brought so much to us and our other 2 children. However, nearly 9 years later my hubby has had a mini breakdown and has been in therapy over the grief of No. 1 girl, but together we grow stronger and keep moving forward with silver linings, humour and love.
It’s all the swings & roundabouts of life that we all have to play with. Sending you big hugs Celia, you don’t know how much you and your blog filled my life and inspired me. You too are an exceptionally special person xo
Oh Cath, I’m so sorry to hear about your hubby’s sadness. I hope he finds some ease soon. Thank you for your lovely comment and all the best to you all. xxx
How beautiful and genuine and so so so wonderful❤️ You are all truly blessed
I so am! Thanks Sue! xx
Too touching, too beautiful for words…..❤️
Thank you lovely…I know YOU understand, because you have the most wonderful Handsome Stud! :) xx
PS: your young Pete looks a little like Tim Freedman…
I’ve never commented on fig jam and lime cordial but look forward to your email. This really touched my heart maybe because I lost my husband about 6 months ago and reflect on all the wonderful memories in our 51 years together. Thank you for sharing your life stories and interesting things you do. You are such an inspiration.
Joanne, my deepest condolences for your loss. 51 years together is amazing…how blessed you are to have so many wonderful memories.. xx
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. An inspiring love story and journey that you’re on. You absolutely deserve it all Celia, amazing woman that you are.
Charmaine, you’re lovely, thank you! xx
Oh my friend, thank you so much. I am happy for you and happy for your family. Best thoughts, Maz.
Darling, you get it, right? You and your hot, ukelele-building firefighter.. :) xx
i hope that there’s many more happy years ahead for you both:)
Thank you very much, Jo! xx
<3
Much love to you and your Pete, Mandy! xx
Life is all about timing and how fabulous that the time was perfect for the two of you to meet those years ago. From what I read in your posts (which I love so much) you are best friends and certainly deserve each other. What a lovely family you have – that didn’t happen by magic – you are wonderful parents and make a great family which I am certain will continue in the next generation too.
Carol, the timing really was a miracle! And we are so blessed with our gorgeous boys. Thank you for your lovely comment! xx
Aww, you two are so sweet… You prove the myth of happy ever after. And I’m sorry, but your clones appear to have inherited their dimples from the cloning chamber :-)
Hahaha my friend Alison rang me to say the same thing! Yes, they all have my dimples, it’s my one stamp on them. :) xx
I’m so happy for you Celia. You deserve it all though. You’re a special person too.
Sue, that’s very kind of you, but I don’t know that we deserve anything. It really was a gift from God. :) xx
Having had the pleasure of meeting you I can see what draws people to you. You are open, generous, good fun, but also thoughtful. You wonder what you did to deserve Pete – I don’t. I wish you many more happy years together 😘
Kim, it was a joy to meet you and David! Thank you for making time to fit me in, and for my gorgeous gift! xx
Cloning chamber… Celia, you crack me up. Yes, he is a spunk, then and now and sounds like a very lovely, strong, courageous, funny and caring man ( despite those good looks) so I can see why your’e still totally in love with him. I already know why he’s in love with you!
Fra, you’re a sweetheart, thank you. He is all those things and he spends a lot of time laughing at me. I like to think that’s my contribution to this relationship! :)
so wonderful and sweet
Thanks Beth! xx
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story, Celia. You have a great gift for words .
That’s kind of you, Denise, thank you! :)
I may have to borrow your “cloning chamber” phrase as I feel like one as well. I like to think I bred and am training future husbands somebody will adore as much as I adore Josh. You are one very lucky and happy woman.
Gretchen, every time I see one of your posts on Josh and the boys, it reminds me of our family when our sons were younger. I love it. And I know you get it completely! :)
I am sure Pete will be secretly thrilled to bits and why wouldn’t he be what a love you have the two of you. i have seen the way he looks at you actually. He too is a lucky person because you are his complement. Inquisitive, chatty fun community minded and always bringing friends in to share what you have. How very lucky you both are indeed xx .
I do miss hanging out with you, my lovely friend. Let’s find time to do stuff next year! xxx
true bliss is loving who we are, and sharing the blessing of life with our loved ones. smiles, thank you for sharing such a loving moment that has lasted..
Thank you. When I turned 50, I decided that it was important to tell those I loved how I felt about them. And there isn’t anyone I love more than Pete. :)
What a beautifully written post, it is clear that your family has such an enormous capacity to love, I am sorry that it had to come with the price of good health. It’s not often that one gets to marry your soul-mate, you and I truly lucked out on that one!
Aren’t we blessed, Eva! I’m so happy for you too! :) xx
Such a beautiful and heartfelt post. You know that a lot of what you say mirrors how I feel and what is going on in our life right now. We are lucky to be with wonderful men who counter balance us perfectly and can make us smile. May you always feel like this my lovely friend xx
Thank you for being my darling friend and understanding it all, including the hard bits. Love you lots. xxx
Beautiful, beautiful post. Brought tears to my eyes. Best, best, best to all of you halfway around the world from where I live in Maine.
Laurie, thank you so much. Wishing you and yours a joyous and blessed festive season in beautiful Maine – I’ve long dreamed of visiting your gorgeous state! :)
Aww, thanks Celia!
Wonderful testimony. You are indeed blessed. Great pictures too. Best of luck in 2018.
Pat, thank you! Best wishes to you and yours for Christmas and the new year as well!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely relationship with your guys. Treasure it always and they obviously treasure you.
I’m so lucky to have them! Thank you! :)
This is so beautiful and heartwarming.
Thanks Connie! :)
Oh what a lovely post. How lucky your man is to have a family who loves him so. Your post made my day, my week, my month! Happy Holidays to you and yours. I felt the love!
Your comment made me smile a lot! Thank you! :)
I love your blog but seldom comment (too British, too private) but this one has me in tears. While I’m typing I should tell you the thanksgiving blog you did about your sons cancer was profound I have sent it to numerous friends when they are in need of inner strength – your musings inspire people.
Dee, that’s very kind of you, thank you so much. Sometimes words just come out and I record them – I can’t seem to plan when I write about things that are close to my heart. So I’m very touched to hear that things which mean a lot to me can be of some small help to others. xx
Joyous love and positivity wonderful recipe for enduring family happiness. Thanks Celia x
Helen, it’s the best thing, isn’t it? Thank you! :)
Love. This. Love you all. Even though we haven’t met. And yeah, same same but different with my Pete. Blessed doesn’t even cover it.
Yes. And back at you. Same same but different, but still same, right? Lots of love to you. xxx
Lucky you and lucky Pete.
Thanks lovely Deb. xx
Awwww, thank you for this beautiful post ❤️ the 19yo photo of Uncle Pete looks like Rafael Nadal! Take care xx
Well, you understand right? He’s the best. But you know, so is your Dave. :) xx
Yep he is a hottie alright, and you, you wily crazy chick snaffled him. A truly beyond beautiful post. Bless all of your family 😘
Hahaha…too bloody right, I snaffled him and never let him go! :) Thank you for your lovely comment! x
Oh that brought a tear to My eye………what a wonderful post and Yes you ALL are lucky to have each other. Love to you all.
Susan, thank you! I feel very blessed most of the time, and when I forget, I’ll read all these comments again so you can all remind me. :) xx
Oh, Celia… what a loving, joyous, honest tribute! True love defies explanation, except maybe the part about his mental discipline vs. your melodramatic nature. :) (You’re singing my song.) Your teenage hottie grew up to be the man of your dreams — and the nice thing is that you grew up together — and grew two wonderful sons, too! May you and your loved ones enjoy a truly blessed holiday. xoxo
Hey darling girl, yes, our hubbies are a perfect balance for us, aren’t they? All the very best for a joyous, blessed Christmas to you and Russ! xx
That is such a moving tribute to your family. Pete was so right with his summary of what really matters in life. That’s a beautiful thing, Celia – now i have to go and blow my nose and dry my eyes:)
Jan, thanks lovely friend. Pete is always right, but I try not to say it too loudly. Hope you and your Pete are both well and looking forward to the holidays! :) xx
How brave and honest you are – this is very personal to share. I must say the timing of Pete’s wise words couldn’t have come at a better time for me as the old health thing is rearing it’s ugly head again. I’m going to write them out and carry them round for when I start feeling sorry for myself.
My lovely friend, thank you for taking the time to read. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that we can chat to each other outside of blogs and social media.I hope 2018 is easier for all of us. xxx
So beautifully written, Celia. And what a beautiful love story. I’m sorry to hear Pete is still suffering physically. Gorgeous photos of your very special man xx
Charlie, thank you! It has been a long haul for him, but we just keep going. His personal strength takes my breath away sometimes. Hope you and your beautiful family are all well! Much love xx
I’ve never posted a comment before but love reading your blog and trying your recipes.
This was such a beautiful post Celia, made me a bit teary. It does make us realise what is truly important in our lives. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
Anna, such a kind comment, thank you for taking the time to leave it. Wishing you and your loved ones a most joyous Christmas!
What a wonderful tribute to Pete, Celia – and to you all xx
Vicki, you’ve known us so long…much love to you. xx
Lovely ode to Pete, you are very lucky indeed.
Liz, thank you! I feel very blessed! xx
Bless your Pete’s little cotton socks… and yours too, for that matter. You are both gems. Much love from our happy home to yours. XX
Thanks lovely xx
Just catching up on emails….bloody hell. What a beautiful post. This is what life is about.
You’re kind Kim, thank you! xx
Ahh Celia – what a lovely post. My hub and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary and in some ways I can’t believe it has been that long. It feels like just yesterday but in other ways I marvel at how much we have been through – kids, family health issues, elder care…you know, all the stuff of life. I don’t know how I would have made it through some times without my best friend, partner in laughs. And then to have grown up kids who enjoy spending time with us? Wow – we are lucky, aren’t we? Wishing you and Pete many more joyous years together. Oh and that part about being a cloning chamber…complete strangers would stop my husband on the street when he was with our oldest and exclaim – DID YOU CLONE HIM?! Hahaha!
Lynn, that’s hilarious! When Big Boy was little, I used to take him shopping all the time. One day Pete walked into a store where we went regularly, and the shopkeeper nearly fell over. She knew instantly whose father he was! :)
Wow!!! Such an amazing post
Thank you!
Celia, you made me cry (happy tears) with your beautiful tribute to Pete (and The Clones)!
Thanks Jean! xx
I hear you. I was set on marrying the love of my life but my stupid foster mother broke us up. I was at the mall shortly after with my little foster sister doing shopping and I rang him up and he wanted me to send Alissa home and meet him at the civic hall or whatever. In short he wanted to marry me but I couldn’t leave Al bc she was only 15 or so… and in a wheelchair. I wanted to marry my love but look after Al bc our foster mother was a lush. :( WTF could I do???? I love old photos. :) I love archiving them.
I’m sorry to hear that things didn’t work out for you as you’d hoped :(
Great app, thank you. I’ve been going through old files and found some wonderful old photos that I didn’t even realize I had. Pictures of my parent’s wedding day and from their childhoods.
Lucky lucky you. And lucky Pete that he has someone who appreciates him as you do. And lucky kids to have you both and have nurtured strong bonds. Wonderful and inspiring stuff. Perfect blogpost too. Thank you Celia.
Congratulations on having found each other and so young in life as well!
Beautiful post Celia. Also laughing as you have the same calendar as I get every year as its the only one I can see the dates on from across the kitchen!