As I write this blog my husband, Rich and I have just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary! It is hard to believe a hippie wedding in 1974 could last this long.  It was an Indian summer day on October 5, 1974. The sun rays peeked through the forested slopes and cool canyons at Miwok Shelter in Huddart County Park in Woodside, CA. Amidst the oak madrone and tall redwood trees you could see San Francisco Bay. 

The ceremony began with a reading from the Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days… Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

As I think back over 45 years of life experiences, travel and adventures, as well as hardships and trying times I realize how fortunate I am to celebrate this marriage.

Two good friends played guitars provided music for the ceremony. One of my favorite memories is the recessional song is Friends by John Denver:

“What a friend we have in time.
Gives us children, makes us wine.
Tells us what to take or leave behind.
And the gifts of growing old, all the stories to be told
of the feelings more precious than gold.
Friends I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.
And when another day is through, I'll still be friends with you”

 

Yes we are still friends and Rich has supported me through my health challenges. As I aged I had lots of lung problems but wasn’t diagnosed with CF until I was 64 years old. 

I had a successful career and live an active lifestyle. We are fortunate to live in Ventura, CA. And here we are 45 years later still looking forward to new adventures, new people, and new places.

I was sorry my sister, Loretta couldn’t be there for the wedding. She died from CF in 1971, just a few months after she and I took a trip from San Francisco to British Columbia in my 1969 VW Bug. I am so grateful we had that time together. Following my diagnosis in 2010 I established the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund with the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation (CFLF). The Fund provides Recreation Grants to youth and adults living with CF for activities that Loretta and I enjoyed: Dancing, horseback riding, swimming, golf and yoga. 

The Fund is supported by 61 friends and family members, and has awarded 161 recreation grants totaling $73,600, since the Fund was established. A few grant recipients are quoted here:

DeAnna – Age 54 - Vermont - Horseback Riding: “I have never been so healthy and felt so good mentally. My riding lessons have given me new friends and a social outlet I never had before.”

Mary - Age 7 – California - Swimming: “I will take swimming lessons and learn how to take deep breaths and hope that will make my lungs stronger and I will be healthier.”

You can support CF children and adults by making a donation. All funds go directly to the Recreation Grant program, no overhead or administrative charges are incurred. Additional information about CFLF is available at www.CFLF.org. Donations can be made online or mailed to: CFLF – 936 SW 1st Ave #248, Miami, FL 33130. 

 

 Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER- 

   

 

Barbara Morris Harison lives in Ventura, CA and serves on the CFLF Board. She was diagnosed with CF at age sixty four (64). She lost a sister to CF forty-eight (48) years ago and established the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund with CFLF in 2010. Barbara is retired after a long career in public parks and recreation administration and management of her own consulting business, Harison & Associates. When she is not swimming laps, beach walking or golfing she volunteers for community organizations.

 

 

 

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