“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.”
As someone who has gotten to know Mad and Jim well over the past few weeks shared with Colleen on her visit to Pittsburgh, you really have no idea what those words mean when you say them, or what the future holds. But Jim and Madeline live those words every day. “They really are the epitome of marriage,” he said. Forty-four years ago today, they said, “I do,” but their story begins long before that. First as neighborhood playmates at ages 5 and 6, then as high school sweethearts. After Jim graduated from college and Mad was still in school, he was stationed first in Germany and then Vietnam. When he finally returned they were married in their childhood parish, St. Augustine’s in Providence, RI. They both worked hard - for the community and for their families. For the most part, Madeline took care of things at home while Jim built his law practice. Until recently, she used to joke, “Jim, do you even know where the kitchen is?” That has all changed. He now makes her coffee and her sandwiches exactly the way she likes them. He even bought himself a cookbook! (So far, he’s attempted the recipe for scrambled eggs. Stay tuned for further developments.) They’ve been the perfect team -- officially now for 44 years. Colleen and Mike have always known that their parents were extraordinary role models. And to reinforce what they already knew, others frequently remarked to them about the amazing strength and love behind Madeline and Jim’s relationship -- comments that have been made much more frequently over the past few years. Jim & Mad, you inspire us all. Happy 44th anniversary to an absolutely amazing couple!
3 Comments
Megan Reilly
8/19/2016 11:25:37 am
Beautifully written post. Jim & Mad helped to build the foundation of my marriage and family by raising Mike to be a faithful, Faith-filled, loyal, committed, loving, and hard-working husband, father and citizen and Colleen to be an amazing, kind, compassionate Auntie & Godmother. For that, I will be forever grateful (to them and to my own parents, who would have celebrated their 39th anniversary tomorrow). I strive each day to make them proud by raising my children as well as Mike & I were raised. You are a beautiful testament to the Sacrament of Marriage and your legacy lives on in your own wonderful children and grandchildren. May God bless you both on your 44th Anniversary and always!!
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Mom R
8/24/2016 05:14:53 pm
Love you, Meg! So blessed to have you as a daughter-in-law. You are the best mother to Jack, Danny and Matty! XOX
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