While we try to follow a chronological account of our travels, every so often we vary for different reasons. Today is one of those times and it is a milestone day. Fifty years ago, May 9, 1970, we committed our love to each other for better or worse; richer or poorer; until death do we part. Fifty years later, yes we are older yet we are also stronger in our commitment to each other. So on our 50th Wedding Anniversary we want to dedicate this blog post to Lover’s Oak in Brunswick, GA.
As we sit in self isolation in Port Allen, LA dreaming of where we were supposed to be and with whom, we realize life gives us twists and turns. They don’t necessarily come at appropriate times and they are not always welcome. We should be in the Northwest enjoying our 50th with Ian and Lyn, Canadian friends, also celebrating their 50th. As all four of us sit in our separate couple isolation, we know we will celebrate together soon and it will be all the more special.
Looking back on 50 years, we remembered a special tree which found us. It made us realize that love is eternal – maybe not always pretty. Every morning we get up and commit ourselves to each other. Love is a decision and we decided each day to love each other deeply.
Lover’s Oak in Brunswick, GA is said to be over 900 years old. Local legend believes the oak was a meeting place for Creek Indian braves and maidens. They would meet under the majestic branches to kiss and vow their love for one another. Over time the tree has grown to approximately 13 feet in diameter with approximately ten limbs from 12 to 30 inches in diameter. To us the most interesting aspect of Lover’s Oak is its location – in the median of a neighborhood. The tree is not the most romantic to look at, it is showing its age. It may not be the most romantic setting or tree yet in a way that makes it all the more romantic. It has stood for centuries, at one point streetcar tracks swerved around the tree.
Lover’s Oak in Brunswick, GA is a testament to love. Like a true love story, the tree has stood for centuries while the town has grown and developed around it. We believe like Lover’s Oak our love has grown and developed over our 50 years together and is stronger today than it was May 9, 1970.
We did not go searching for Lover’s Oak; it found us. Our love also found us and we thank God everyday for our love affair of 50 years!
