Merci, Mon Dieu, Pour Mon Mariage
Today will be my final European adventure post. Thank you for reading and often commenting about the words and photos we have posted.
Our final stop was Paris, France. Not on our original itinerary, I couldn’t resist the possibility of spending our June 8th wedding anniversary in “The City of Love.” Only there for three nights, we knew we would be tired and decided to forego visits to museums and churches. Instead, we chose to simply enjoy Paris. Mostly, we walked, although we splurged on a couple taxi rides.
Marriage to Ron has been one of God’s greatest gifts to me. I never take it for granted. I entered our marriage with an adorable 7-year-old daughter who had been the center of my world after being a single mom for over five years following the end of my first marriage. While Ron and I were fortunate to receive some excellent teaching and support from family, there are aspects of those early years we would like to “do-over.” We kept trying the best we knew how, said plenty of “I’m sorry’s” along the way, and today enjoy not only the results of right choices we made but the incredible mercy and grace God has given every step of the way.
During this month of Thanksgiving, I would like to say in the beautiful romantic French language, Merci, Mon Dieu, pour mon marriage, translated, Thank You God, for my marriage!
The Arc de Triomphe, within walking distance of our hotel, is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
The story of an enduring, triumphant marriage is kind of like the Arc de Triomphe. Some of the 44 chapters of our marriage are filled with difficulties and conflicts. Pages within those chapters are crumpled, some torn in anger or regrettable words. Others are wrinkled, stained with tears.
Even in The City of Love, Ron and I experienced conflict. Stress, fatigue, and misunderstanding led to some harsh words, a “crucial” conversation, and apology! Whether a disagreement is a skirmish as happened in Paris or a major battle, both of us are convinced commitment to do whatever is necessary to fight for marriage and family is worthwhile.
The Champs-Elysees, site of cultural events and haute couture, may be the most famous avenue in the world. Ron didn’t like it since he didn’t see a single hardware store, but the romantic in me loved strolling down the famous boulevard.
The massive House of Dior was impressive. A line of shoppers waited to enter Luis Vuitton, located across the street.
Anniversary lunch on Champs-Elysees was beautifully presented, served by an appropriately snobbish French waiter, very expensive, but not all that tasty. Ron and I agreed we enjoyed more the late evening snack at a little neighborhood bar. Our friendly, generously tattooed waitress had lived in New York City two years, spoke wonderful English, and when she learned it was our anniversary, brought us a delicious complimentary dessert.
Because I couldn’t resist, I bought a sundress at a department store on Champs- Elysees, to wear on our anniversary at the Eifel Tower.
I was like a giggling schoolgirl the first time I saw this iconic site, which is humungous
We strolled hand in hand along the Seine River and across Lovelock Bridge.
And, of course, we needed to seal our experience with a kiss!
Paris! We will never forget the memorable time we spent and the sweet memories we made in this splendid city!
Blessings on your journey,
