Our Viewpoint

“They say the first 50 years of marriage are always the hardest.” That's what someone told my parents, Gene and Barb, last weekend. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary this Saturday, May 16.

Celebrations, including what they will do to celebrate their golden anniversary, look a bit different these days. This Saturday was going to be branding day at the Wooden ranch, actually “Brandiversary” day. We had planned to have a big gathering and celebrate after the work was done with the cows. Our celebration will be on a much smaller scale, but maybe it will make it that much more special.

I read an article recently about how lawyers are preparing for a spike in separations and divorces after the pandemic subsides and couples aren't forced to quarantine together any longer. There are so many distractions in life, especially in urban areas, that spending time with family isn't always a priority. For those couples stuck together in quarantine, I'd challenge you to fix fence, sort cattle or doctor a calf with your spouse. Or heaven forbid you forget to close a gate. Do that and you'll learn how being stuck in a house together isn't so bad.

If anything positive has come from the pandemic, it's that people are appreciating time together even more. I'm spending more time with my parents going for walks on the ranch, hunting morels or doing projects. I haven't left the county in months and people are shopping local.

People will gather again. Hugs and handshakes will be appropriate again. We will celebrate monumental moments such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Even if the first 50 years are the hardest, they are also full of laughter and memories. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad. We love you. -Annie Wooden, Publisher