Fifteen years ago today I married the love of my life.

[John Schmidt]

We're both now in our 70's so you know it was the second time around for both of us. We dated for four years and going into the fifth year I was given a thinly veiled ultimatum: "John, I don't want to go another year without doing something positive." I didn't have to ask what she meant by that, and although she denies saying anything of the sort I remember it vividly. And by "dating" I mean we did just that, we were inseperable almost from the start but, and here's a twist.....we never lived together all during that time. No, we weren't angels and we did travel together all over the U.S., we just didn't feel it necessary to live together. We had our own homes and lives, and we only lived 4.1 miles apart.

Since we both had so many friends and family in the Orlando area, we decided to "elope." We planned a trip to Glacier Nat'l. Park and up into Canada so decided to get hitched in Montana. My wife made all the arrangements and reservations while I was at work and it turned out great. By  July 4, we had already arrived there and by that evening had found a waterfall in the park named Indian Falls, or locally called Trick Falls. We were married by a Blackfoot Tribal Judge in front of that waterfall, using the Blackfoot ceremony. It wasn't a religious ceremony, but it was very spiritual and quite moving....and no, we didn't have to slit wrists and mix blood.  We had to drive to Cutbank, MT for the license and on the way back to the lodge where we were staying I realized she didn't have a wedding bouquet. So, once we were back in the mountains I spotted this field of mountain wildflowers, I jumped out and cut her a huge wedding bouquet of mountain wildflowers....only to find out later that move was illegal.

The location of the waterfalls was about a half mile back into the forest where it opened up into a wide creekbed below the falls. I tried in vain to set up my remotely controlled camcorder but couldn't get it to work right. Suddenly we heard some voices coming from the direction of the falls which was roughly 100 yds. away, it was a man and wife team on assignment for Nat'l. Geographic, and they had all kinds of camera and tripod equipment slung over their shoulders. They were as surprised as we were, and I asked if he could run my camcorder....duh....professional photographer. He and his wife did just that, worked as a team and the film came out perfect. She even held a remote mic on a boom for him to pick up our voices. The next day, we headed up into Canada through Waterton and on as far north as Jasper, probably close to 400 miles into the province. We went up the east side of the Rockies and down the west side, the most stupendous scenery I've ever laid eyes on.

We had hoped to retrace our steps on this, our 15th anniversary, but her health issues prevent that. But that's OK, we shot 22 rolls of film and over 3 hrs. of tape so we can make that same trip anytime we like. Tonight will probably be another Canadian venture, as we have done many times since then. Sorry if I bored you all, just wanted to share one of my life's experiences.

[Charlie McCready]

John that's awesome !!!!!!  Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!

[JimL]

Not boring in the least!  Great story and I hope you and your wife celebrate another 15 year anniversary in 2024.  By the way, my second marriage turned out to be fantastic also.

Jim

[Highbinder]

Hey John I heard those Indian weddings aren't valid after you leave the reservation  great story....may you have 15 more happy years...tell us the one about what happen after you got back and all the friends and relatives were gunning for ya!!!!!

[John Schmidt]

They kept telling her the same thing, it only applied if we lived on the reservation.  As for the local folks, most knew of our plans to get married out there. I joke about the ceremony a bit, my wife is part Cherokee, her dad had a Native American name. I tell people the two tribes aren't warring anymore so the wedding was safe to conduct....and I still have my scalp! 

[QOTFU]

Awwww..... I love a good "love story"...... thanks for sharing!

[PharmBoy]

John, that was really great.  Thanks for sharing.  For many of us, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily, my friend.  I have been telling my 2nd wife of 39 years now that being married by a college professor was never legal also, but she keeps saying that he was an ordained minister.  She made all the arrangements, so what's a guy to do??? JTL

[Michael K (Az.)]

 

[R J]

Congratulations, hope ya have many many more anniversaries.

Loved the details, that sounded like a winner in all directions.

[Karen]

Congratulations, some times you guys need that little push, i's a great story, the tape must be great. Looking forward to hearing about your 30th!

[DeathWishBikerDude]

[Tundra]

Congratulations John!

[ChromeDome]

Congratulations to the both of you and may you have many many more.