My Best Friend

Our Wedding Day 9-5-1970
I've been married to my best friend for more than 50 years!

1972

In many ways we grew up together because I turned 19 and Michael turned 20 two months before we were married.

1973, pregnant with our first child
We went to cross town high schools, but met at a restaurant where we both worked. When we started dating, I was 16 and he was 17. Neither of us were believers. I came to the Lord in 1973, and my husband made a profession of faith in 1974, but his faith didn't become real to him until about 8 years later.

What were we thinking in the 1980's with those hairstyles? 😁

 We have lived all over the world together, enjoyed a great 22 years in the Army and many years of Christian work since retirement...our lives have been ones of constant change...the one sure, stable anchor being the LORD.

1998
I know, without a single doubt, that Michael and I would not be together were it not for the LORD. We are two selfish people struggling to love each other but totally unable to do it without Christ's Spirit. 

In Budapest where we lived 2004-2009

When we've gone through rough times, God has always been there to hold our hands and get us through.

2004
I'd like to share what I wrote to Michael in the card that I gave him on our 40th anniversary in 2010:

"40 years ago we began our life together. Who would have imagined where these 40 years have taken us! 

Through parenthood and grandparenthood, lively house and empty nest. 

In government quarters, rental houses, single-wide trailers, and beautiful homes. 

To Colorado, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky, Germany, Kansas, New Jersey, Virginia, South and North Carolina and Budapest.
The best part of the journey is that we've shared it together.
You've always been there at my side sharing the burdens and encouraging me to smile. 

Before another 40 years come and go, our journey on earth will be over. How sad that would be if we didn't know that our journey will actually continue on smooth roads of gold!
I love you, Michael Purath!"

2011   


2022

If you'd like to read some of my marriage posts....things I've learned along the way, I encourage you to check out Christian Marriage Devotions.

8 comments:

  1. Congratulations to you, Michael & Gail! I loved seeing all the pictures and learning about your marriage journey. May the Lord continue to bless you both richly!

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    1. Thanks, Brenda. I decided to start a marriage series and thought it would be fun to include some personal stuff in case anyone was interested. Thanks for stopping by. Now, I'd like to see something similar on your blog...how about it? : )

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  2. I love those pictures. You look like such a sweet couple.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kelly, and thanks for the sweet comments!

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  3. I love those pictures too!! You didn't have to put the years, lol, I would have known the approximate year by the part down the middle of your long hair, the perm, the styles of your glasses. My pictures would tell the time too!! I had the same hair-styles (even the perm) with similar glasses!! You are right!! WHAT were we thinking!!

    I also love what you are sharing on marriage. It is well worth having the same memories to share with each other from when we were both young!!

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  4. Great pictures! What a wonderful testimony to God's faithfulness. I would love to read more of your thoughts/experiences on marriage. We have been married for almost 27 years.......second time for both of us.....and I am always learning new things. Happy Anniversary!

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  5. Such a great testimony Gail and Michael. Love the pictures...I would know who you were from any of them...so sweet. Happy and Blessed Anniversary.

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  6. Congratulations Gail to you and your husband on this milestone anniversary. My husband is my best friend as well, we are approaching our 25th soon. It was fun to look through the pictures of you both over the years. Thank you. ~ Abby

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