My Big Fat Greek Wedding My very own Big Fat Greek Wedding took place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis, MO on August 25, 1979.  It captured the spirit of my heritage in every way, from the pre-wedding traditions and gatherings, the relatives scrambling about, the exchange of the crowns, and of course, the party.  Greek dancing, ouzo and wine, food, and tables of Greek pastries were the order of the evening. There’s nothing like a Greek wedding and mine was no exception. I can’t forget the honeymoon in Abaco Island, Bahamas that was cut short a few days because Hurricane David decided to join the party. Oh, it’s been a wild ride for the last 26 years and John and I have been through a few more hurricanes, but there has always been a rainbow at the other end. We’ve experienced joy, wonder, and happiness, in addition to pain and sorrow.  It is our love and mutual respect and the desire to make our marriage work that has guided us in our journey through the storms and the calm.  In the Showcase, I share 14 tips that have served us well over the years.

Stephanie’s 14 Tips For A Healthy Marriage • Make sure your values are harmonious and that you both want the same things in life and are in agreement as to how to achieve them. • Respect one another and do not take each other for granted. • Build your marriage on friendship. • Meet the needs of both the husband and wife in the relationship. • Commit to the marriage and want to make it work.  Know that you will have rough spots. • Love changes over the years.  Embrace the change. • You cannot fix or change your partner.  The only one you can change is yourself. • Be vulnerable and intimate with your spouse.  Share your feelings, however difficult that may be for you. • Communicate and listen.  Remember that actions speak louder than words. • You teach people how to treat you.  What you tolerate is what you get. • Appreciate your spouse.  It will go a long way. • Be truthful about money and your spending and saving patterns.  Keep money from becoming a four letter word. • Your in-laws had their turn to make their marriage work.  Now it’s your turn. • Say “I love you” every day and couple it with a hug and a kiss.

I found in John my soul mate and partner for life.  He gives me his unconditional love and support without question, even though there are many times when I push the envelope.  He is always there for me and for that I am truly blessed.  We are mentors, guiding lights, and best friends, supporting each other in all our endeavors.  We often lose our balance on the beam and have taken many tumbles, yet on the other hand, there are many times when our routine scores a 10! We just go with the flow and grow with each experience. We take pride and pleasure in watching our children grow into the young adults they are today.  Neither one has a yen for dentistry as they forge their own path.  John G is pursuing a master’s degree in the administration of criminal justice and Valerie is a sophomore majoring in international business.  John and I have provided them with a solid foundation upon which they can build their future. Yes, it’s been an unforgettable 26 years.  Happy Anniversary John. OPA!