Dear Mark,
Last night when you asked me if I wanted to do something special for our 35th wedding anniversary I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t speak because I selfishly want 35 more years of being married to you. I couldn’t speak because I want it all my way or our way but we both know we can’t have it that way.
We have never been very good at giving gifts to each other for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. I know why material gifts have never been important to us; it’s because material items can’t compare to the simple gifts we give each other every day.
Mark, you have been so good to me and so patient with me for 35 years even though I had so many silly ideas. And I know I probably drove you nuts because of my social schedule. Thank you for giving me loose reins to pursue my love for people because I know I overbooked our lives many times but you always seemed to help me make it work.
We both know what a gift Chad, Kelly, Corey and Bryan have been to us. I’m glad we compromised on the number of kids we decided to have. If we would have had eight kids like I wanted, our household would have been super crazy but four kids actually was perfect and more manageable. Thank you for always being my checks and balance husband. You always seem to gently pull me back to reality.
Sometimes when I look at you I can’t speak without crying because I don’t want to leave you. I love us together and I love our life. We don’t really know what our future holds but if you continue to help me make sense of what is happening in our lives life will be great as long as I am with you.
I love you like crazy.
Rosemary
Live Simple, Love Like Crazy 
You and Mark are an amazing couple and I feel blessed to have been able to have met you and also to spend time with you. The Lord brought you together and together you have built a beautiful family and life. Congratulations (a few months late) on your anniversary.
Rosemary, I just got to see this post for the first time and like others, have tears in my eyes replying to this. You two are the most amazing couple and what God inteneded marriage to be, Unconditional love… always.. I can only imagine how hard this has been on your marriage but you two seem to get stronger and stronger. I am so inspired by that. Coming from someone who has been single for a very long time, I am so envious of what you two have shared and continue to share. THIS Is, however, the way real love should be…
Love you two and admire you . I pray for continued strength, peace and God’s hand on all of this for you both and your family.
Bonnie
Rosemary, this is so incredibly beautiful. You are blessed to have found each other! I love and miss you!
I can’t say it any better than Mack. Happy Anniversary.
What a beautiful tribute to your husband. You both are wonderful people. Blessings to you both on your 35th anniversary.
I love this. What a beautiful post as you celebrate 35 years. Happy anniversary to both of you.
Mark and Rosemary,
Sending our love and wishing you happy anniversary.
Patti and I had the kids each read a few paragraphs from an inspiration article when we got married, I don’t know if you recall it, but it was titled; She’s the Zig to His Zag. Both of you have shown us how to live it these last eight years.
Love Dick and Patti
You two are one of the nicest couples I’ve ever met – happy anniversary to you both!
Just know that there are more people than you realize that are sending good thoughts and prayers your way, Rosemary!
Chris Farinella
With tears in my eyes I’m trying to respond to this beautiful testimonial of Rosemary’s love for Mark. Theirs is a love that defines what a marrage is supposed to be. Two wonderful people that face adversity with a strength that defies definition. Stay strong, you two have set the bar. luv u
With tears in my eyes I’m trying to respond to this beautiful testimonial of Rosemary’s love for Mark. Theirs is a love that defines what a marrage is supposed to be. Two wonderful people that face adversity with a strength that defies definition. Stay strong, you two have set the bar. luv u
Thank you for sharing this tribute to Mark. You are both remarkable individuals and a remarkable couple. God has a plan for your lives. Live under His umbrella of love. You have a great tribute to share with so many of us that feel like we fall short of His glory.
Rosemary, you are one great lady. And you have a great man beside you in Mark. I believe God has things in store for both of you. He, God that is, is in total control of your life. Keep living that life.
Keep God in the center of your lives…
Love, Sandy
This was just beautiful… I want to take a moment to thank Mark for taking such good care of you our class mate and friend….. Happy Anniversary to a very special couple. God’s Blessings on your special day and always….. Kim Lindsay Mahoney
I could hardly read this. Such a love story. You and Mark are such examples of what true love is and those wedding vows many of us have taken. I continue to keep you in my prayers and just am in amazement with your encouraging words to your friends and family.
Denise Holstege
Dearest Rosemary,
Such a beautiful tribute to Mark and your marriage; you are a wonderful couple. Happy Anniversary to you and Mark!
There is no way anyone can truly understand what you are going through. We can have compassion, but we do not live your day-to-day. I know you have been told over and over what an amazing, inspirational person you are to all of us, but honestly it cannot be said enough.
I literally cried when I read this post, because you summed up exactly how I feel about Dennis and our marriage. I do not have any afflictions that are life altering or terminal, so I cannot imagine how you do it, with a positive attitude and a smile on your face. If anyone has a right to cry it is certainly you, and if anyone has a right to say F*CK ALS it is you, Mark, your kids, your family, and all of us who love, admire and respect you!
Rosemary, you are a gifted lovely lady. I am honored to know you and to be considered your friend. You are a gift to all of us.