Compiled by Forrest Preece
Almost 33 years ago, after having been married for 15 years, Jonathan surprised me to tears. We were celebrating our anniversary... Jonathan got down on one knee at The Four Seasons before a packed house and asked me to marry him again, forever and ever. You could have heard a pin drop in that room! We were in a high-visibility spot! He presented me with a large diamond on my ring. You would have to go back to our beginnings…we had no money, I had no ring, I had no diamond for all these years. To say he surprised me is an understatement, and it's the ring on my finger today! One of our most personal and moving moments together, and we were blessed to share it with those around us!
Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher, Swan Songs Board of Directors, Former APD Senior Chaplain
I met Ginger just before Valentine’s Day in 1989. I was immediately smitten. In an attempt to impress her I wrote her a Valentine’s poem. It evidently worked. I’ve written her a poem every Valentine’s Day since (and anniversaries). She keeps them. It’s still working after 36 years.
The first poem is shown here.
Michael Blair, Film writer/producer (retired)
Michael Blair’s first poem to his wife
You turn on my calm
You ignite my peace
You unleash my fire and my fun
You encourage my laughter
And bring on my smiles
You cut through my sad like the sun
You thrill me, instill me
With elegant thoughts
You surround me with wishes come true
You stand in the way
Of regrettable days
You realize I’m falling for you.
Our Valentine's Day tradition began in 1987 when we set our wedding date for Feb. 7! Choosing the date precisely one week before Valentine’s Day assured catering and venue availability and made for a shockingly affordable honeymoon in Chicago (because who in their right minds would choose to honeymoon in Chicago in FEBRUARY?!?). Our wedding and subsequent anniversary celebrations have led to Valentine’s Day being all but ignored in our home because we mark our anniversary with enough aplomb to honor both dates.
Barbara Chisholm, actor/instructor, UT Austin
