Welcome to our second installment of “Because Every Day Should Be Valentine’s Day.” I reached out to 3 of my friends and asked them to share with my Livin’ Sassy readers their secrets to a pretty happy marriage. Each spouse was to fill out a questionnaire on their own without knowing each other’s answers. It’s been fun to see how different their answers have been but still focused on the love that they share for one another.
Last week we had Charlie and Sherry (click for full post) that have been married for over 30 years.
And this week we have Jay and Johannah.
Pictured here at their destination wedding in Nashville on a Riverboat cruise.
I first met Jay and Johannah when our sons became the best of friends in 3rd grade. Through all the school sports and events, I observed how much these two meant to one another. I got to know Johannah even better while Jay was deployed in the Air Force. Like many military families, they had to adjust to daily life without each other. I have so much admiration for them not only as a couple but as two former members of the military who spent much of their lives protecting our country.
Meet Jay and Johannah.
Pictured after their completion of the 2009 San Antonio Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
Johannah’s answers.
How long have you been married? We have been married 17 years!
How did you meet? Jay and I met while going through lab school. We were both Active Duty Air Force and in training to become Laboratory Technicians.
Jay and I were introduced by other classmates. It wasn’t long after that, no one could separate us!
Do you remember your first kiss? I remember our first kiss. I still get kisses like that one!
What would you tell a couple right before they are getting ready to walk down the aisle? Remember the little things, they count. Be each others best friend because you will need each other!
How do you keep the spark alive with work,kids and all the other stresses of life? Don’t just keep the spice in the kitchen! With work, school, sporting events…..there is always something going on! Sometimes we have to plan a time to ourselves, or we just have to have a spontaneous trip to the store to get a moment alone.
What do you admire most about your spouse? I admire that Jay is an amazing father. He takes time to teach Ethan and Hannah how and why. I can see the love they have for him when they talk about Jay. It makes me happy to watch them together! He is also driven and passionate. Jay also has a sense of humor, I need that!
What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for one another? I might not be the most romantic person but I leave notes on steamy shower doors, cards in his SUV and hold his hand whenever I get the chance! I just let it be in the moment.
What one piece of advice can you share with our Livin’ Sassy readers that has helped your marriage stay pretty happy after all these years?
Jay and I balance each other. We lean on each other when we need help. As a married couple every day counts, it isn’t just the big events.
And now Jay’s turn.
How long have you been married? 17 years of bliss.
How did you meet? We meet in lab school at Scott Air Force Base Illinois.
She was my trainer, I was her trainee. It was love at first sight. I couldn’t take my eyes off her, those hazel eyes, red hair and a heart warming smile.
Do you remember your first kiss? We had just finished up unpacking my kitchen and we were taking a break on the papsan couch and my eyes caught her eyes and we were drawn to each other.
What would you tell a couple right before they are getting ready to walk down the aisle? Good Luck…..At this point they have committed themselves. All the really good advice comes before they get to this point. Example… Make sure that she is more than just beautiful on the outside. Make sure she is friend and a partner before making her a wife and a lover.
How do you keep the spark alive with work,kids and all the other stresses of life? I listen, listen and listen some more to her and she tells me what she wants and needs. I do my best to make her life easier and then I surprise her now and then with flowers, cards and the occasional post it note. Not when you have to like on Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or their birthday. It must be a surprise.
What do you admire most about your spouse? She knows me and understands me.
What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for one another? I’m planning it right now.
What one piece of advice can you share with our Livin’ Sassy readers that has helped your marriage stay pretty happy after all these years?
Have Jesus in your life and remember to ask yourself what would Jesus do. Love her and do my best not go to bed mad. Love her for her and all the little things that are her.
Oh, don’t you just love a man that listens!!
Until next week, Stay Sassy Y’all.
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