ROCKY MARRIAGE

Many know that I love rocks. I would have quite a collection if they weren't so heavy! My shoebox weighs about 8 lbs – with my iron ore chunk making the box lopsided. So why am I writing about rocks? Well to be honest, I failed in writing about our anniversary this past week. Von and I celebrated our 34^th Anniversary—and Opals are supposed to be what you give each other.

To honor this mileSTONE—I thought I would use the characteristics of opals to describe our lives, personalities or whatever I can come up with and make it work – something like the way I play Scrabble!!!

Opal variations are practically unlimited—example would be the children we produced – they are as varied and as different as can be.

They all show in their own special way that unique play of colors
– I would like to think we are a colorful couple—meaning we are unique, and our red personalities don't show up to often!

The name Opal was probably derived from Sanskrit "upala", meaning "valuable stone"—I consider our marriage a valuable relationship, worth working and refining.

In the days of Roman antiquity there existed a so-called "opalus", or a "stone from several elements"—yep, that describes our relationship—there are several elements that keep us together-love of the Lord, covenants, family, faith, determination—OK—this list can go on for a long time. You get the picture!

Pliny, the famous Roman author, called Opal a gemstone which combines the best possible characteristics of the most beautiful of gemstones—I feel that the characteristics and strengths we have brought to our marriage, those developed over the years and those learned from our parents, children and others continues to make our marriage the best possible.

The small spheres of silica gel causes interference and refraction, dissecting the light on its passage through the gemstone, turning into all colors of the rainbow—I guess that is my hope and prayer that as our relationship continues to develop and mature, that we are able to "interfere and refract" with one another so that our light will continue to radiate, sparkling together in beautiful combinations.

Even though we have had our share of "rocky" trials and obstacles, my husband has always been my rock, my foundation that I rely on. I love you Honey B.