Wedding day, July 28, 1984. Photo: Rick Amodt.
Everyone I know is coping remarkably well with the universal craziness of life today (all things considered), but everyone has bad days, sad days. Lately I’ve noticed a healthy tendency for people to just be honest about those times. It’s an oppressive time, and while I maintain hopes for better times ahead, those hopes are tenuous. So, today, I’m choosing to look back for relief and inspiration.
Tomorrow, Beth and I celebrate our 36th anniversary. The morning of July 28, 1984 started in the backyard of our friend Colleen’s parents in Hillside, Illinois. Colleen’s father, the late Judge John Keleher, officiated and our parents attended. It was modest and small and kind of perfect.
We were officially married in Cook County, but another ceremony and party took place later, in DuPage County, in another back yard—Beth’s late sister Bobbie and her husband Harry generously hosted the affair. Hosted doesn’t do it justice. They’d more or less planned their splendid garden around the event, and managed the logistics of tents, pig roasters, etc. Lots of Beth’s enormous family stepped up to help–brother-in-law, Rick Amodt, volunteered to take pictures.
Our friend Pick, who grew up in Rural Virginia as a Southern Baptist, had agreed to officiate the second ceremony, using the vows that Beth and I had written together.
A polka with the original Mike Knezovich, Mike’s late father. Photo: Rick Amodt.
It could’ve been hot. It could’ve rained. But the afternoon was sunny and comfortable with a breeze. It was sublime.
Here’s an account from Beth’s memoir, “Long Time No See” :
Flo walked me down the aisle, and my friends Anne and Colleen served as bridesmaids. When it came time for a toast, the nieces and nephews served Champagne. We’d hired a group of Mike’s dad’s buddies from the steel mill, Roland Kwasny and the Continentals, who moonlighted playing weddings and other functions. They were everything we could’ve hoped for. Behind bandstands monogrammed “RK,” the ruffle-shirted, heavy set machinists and bricklayers played everything from Polkas to “Proud Mary.” And Roland and the boys were good enough to let Pick—a versatile showman, indeed—sing a few numbers while my sister Beverle sat in on drums.
We ate and drank and danced until well after sundown. We told each other it was the best day of our lives.
And it was the best day of our lives, at least to that date. We’ve been fortunate to have had even better days since. Of course, there were some pretty awful days. And times when we’ve barely held our marriage together by a thread.
Beth’s sister Bev drummed and our friend Pick crooned. Photo: Rick Amodt.
Marrying Beth remains the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself. And I’m elated that both of us are still ticking, together, after 36 years.
We’ve made it in no small part because of the support of our friends, family, and good–hearted strangers. Thanks.
Happy anniversary to us.
Wow! 36 years. How is that even possible? I loved being reminded of your wedding day story, and loved the picture of my little brother. Congratulations to you both, and here’s wishing you many more years of happiness. You two are a most remarkable couple!
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this uplifting reflection.
Mazel Tov!
I say Mazel Tov because 36 is an auspicious number for my people. The numerology of the letters for the Hebrew word for “life” add up to 18. Any multiple of that is auspicious. And 36, no matter how you slice it, is awesome! Heart and kiss emojis follow. ❤️💋
Congrats and happy anniversary !
Happy Anniversary 🥂
Your wedding celebration was beautiful and so much fun!
Enjoy the memories and dance.
Marilee
I still remember Rob toddling around.
It was a day I will never forget! Fun, friends, food, and frolicking. Such fond memories and so happy to have been a part of it.🧡🍸😄
Well, you’ve been a part of all of it–grateful for that.
Happy happy day to two of my favorite people!!
Happy Anniversary, guys!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary’
I’ll drink to that!
My dad would say, the first 36 years are the hardest (if you get his sense of humor). Congratulations to a couple of journalists who have made life richer for all of us .
Have a great day!
Yes, I do get his sense of humor:)
Happy anniversary Mike and Beth – 36 years! WOW!!!!
Didn’t realize that your anniversary was on my birthday…now I have another reason to celebrate tomorrow…Congratulations and Happy anniversary to both of you!
Happy Anniversary! I hope you two can find a special way to celebrate.
Happy anniversary! 🙂
Happy Anniversary, Beth & Mike!
Wishing you God’s Continued Blessings, always!
Hi Sue! I still remember the ballgame when Yadier went deep!
Happy Anniversary! I think I’ ve been present for many of those years. Its quite a story!
Yes you have! Time goes fast it feels like I just woke from a comma. (Inside joke, y’all.)
A day to celebrate for sure! Happy anniversary. Here’s to many more.
Happy Anniversary!!! Nice description….from both!!!
No one I know has gone through more struggle and celebration as you have. It is a joy to say Happy Anniversary to two people who have weathered so many storms. You have touched all of us with your stories and it is an honor to know you. Raising my glass tonight in honor of your anniversary. Love and peace.
Aw thanks. Great to know you, too, Mel.
Happy Anniversary, you two lovebirds! I can’t think of better matched set.
You and your Beth are a pretty good pair, too!
Mike, your blog tugged at my heart. It is great to see that love is still strong, despite all the ups and downs of marriage. I miss having polkas at weddings! Receptions are so bland these days. They could be just another night out at a club. My family is mainly Irish descent, and one of my sisters did marry a Polish-American guy, but all the weddings in those times (family and friends) played polkas.
Yeah, it’s all DJs now.
Happy anniversary! I remember many polka dances from that wedding celebration. Here’s to many more happy non-quarantined years ahead. 🎉🎂🥂
Yeah, I remember you and Ed cutting it up!
Happy Anniversary Beth and Mike! Cheers to that great wedding 36 years ago and cheers to the two of you for making it through all of life’s ups and downs together. Much love!
A picture’s worth a thousand words….I see love and hope and anticipation. Congratulations!!! I can tell you that the ‘second half’ gets even better. Roy and I tied the knot on July 26th 1963. All the Best for the next 36!!
Double chai! Mazel tov to you both, that rare pair wherein both members are loved equally by me. I’m picky. Here’s to the next 18 and the 18 after that.
Well, we feel exactly the same way about you both. Cheers to you and Dr. Black!
Congratulations to a Made in Heaven Couple!
May many more years of happiness be added to your calendar. The pictures are lovely. Loving sentiments flow through the communication lines!
Thank you for allowing us to take part in your Bliss!
Bobbie Turner
What a lovely tribute to your lives together. Quite a journey!
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