By Harold Keller

May 24, 1958 – It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years!  

I remember that day as if it was only a few years ago.  I remember waking up early and getting ready for my wedding, which took place at St. Hubert’s Church in Garyville, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m.  Jeanne and I were married by the late Msgr. Pete Bergeron.

My preparations for the ceremony were filled with the routine of getting dressed and making sure not to forget the rings. However, Jeanne had a different experience.  She later told me that on the ride to church, her daddy said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if Harold didn’t show up?”  I’d like to think that he was joking, for after all, this was his youngest and last of eight children to get married.  That was part of the reason, but at the time, he really didn’t like me, and looking back, I can now understand.

It was a small wedding with family and a few close friends.  

When Jeanne was preparing to get into her going-away outfit, her mom couldn’t find the key to the armoire that her dress was in.  Finally, the key was found and Jeanne and I left for our honeymoon and the beginning of 50 years.

As I look back, I remember us wanting to have children right away.  We even talked about having 10.  Because Jeanne’s deliveries were by Caesarean section, we were limited to four, Ronny, Matt, Kay, and Ann.  

The Bible says that when God gives you a wife, He gives you a good thing.  He gave me the best!  I haven’t always appreciated Jeanne, who loved me unconditionally and was a godly example to my children.

The Bible also says that the glory of young men is their strength and the crown of old men is his children’s children.  Today, we have 15 grandchildren who are healthy and who love and respect us.  We also have two great-grandchildren and are expecting our third in August.  

Rounding out the family, we have one daughter-in-law, Monica, and three sons-in-law, Michael, Tony, and Michael.  God has surely blessed me much more that I ever deserved.

As Jeanne and I celebrate 50 years of marriage, I pray that my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can be as blessed as we have been.  

Jeanne, I love you more than I did yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow.  Thanks for standing in the gap for me when I wasn’t the godly man I was created to be.  Happy Anniversary!

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.