This coming Wednesday, September 20, will be a red letter anniversary for me. That’s the day forty-eight years ago, that Mary Lu Rubnitz became Mary Lu Roffe.
And my sister-in-law.
Wow. Forty-eight years. That’s a long time. But you have to keep in mind, Dear Readers, that I first met her in 1970 so I have had the pleasure of her company for even longer.
Fade to 1970…
(This was playing on the radio.)
It was a Saturday night in October. I was twenty years old, divorced, had a Yorkie and a fab stereo set up and I was living at the brand new, very-hip-for-a-suburban-kid Astor House at 1340 North Astor.
In other words, I had all the trappings of an extremely cool older sister.
Hence it was no surprise when my doorbell rang and in swaggered my younger and very suburban brother, Kenny.
(Both of us pre-orthodontics. Thanks Dr. Swoiskin. Belated apology for cutting all those wires.)
He was accompanied by three adorable New Trier kids.
“This is Sam. This is Lori. This is Mary Lu. Get out.”
And I did.
That first Saturday night date must have gone well. The course of Kenny and Mary Lu’s true love went smoothly.
And look how it ended up.
Thus I feel totally responsible for their wedding anniversary this Wednesday.
Wouldn’t you?
In the course of the last forty plus years, I’ve come to know, respect and love ML for many reasons.
We have shared many a (mis)adventure together. From Post Camp at Ojibwa to maternity ward.
It was Mary Lu who sped me to the hospital when I was having Nick at any second. I think of her- and her Graham Hill-like driving- every April 21 and I’m eternally grateful.
(And no, Kenny, I did not mess up the seats on your new car.)
She has always been there for me. Like the steadfast, devoted to family gal that she is.
She was even good sport/matron of honor/official wedding photographer at out very spur of the moment wedding in Arizona last October.
(TH and I looking very surprised to find ourselves at the wedding chapel.)
Broadway producer, philanthropist, patron of the arts -and artists- Mary Lu may have entered my life as a suburban Winnetka kid.
She’s become a very great lady.
And she hasn’t finished yet.
Can’t wait to see where the next forty-eight years takes her.
And us.
Happy Anniversary, Gorgeous.
Enjoy this gift.
It’s from one great red head to another.
With love,
Ellen.
Congratulations to Mary Lu on this momentous anniversary! Your SIL loves you so much, she even convinced me to collaborate with her on both a crossword puzzle (http://www1.chem.umn.edu/groups/baranygp/puzzles/broad/) and a word search (http://www1.chem.umn.edu/groups/baranygp/puzzles/break/) in your honor. I hope they hold up in time as well as you have! Break a leg (and not a hip)! GB
Thanks for this great plug for our puzzles, George! Oh yes, and I know you wish ML and Kenny a happy anniversary, too.
Sheeesh, Ellen, those were the first words out of my keyboard. Tell Kenny I hope the Cubs meet the Twins in the World Series, and that next time I go to Wrigley Field, I will remember to tip the hot dog vendor. Plus to ML, congratulations on all your Broadway hits — you have created an amazing legacy! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! GB
What a beautiful tribute to Mary Lu….. you are both lucky to have each other. Most people I know don’t like their SIL… how rare and heart warming !!!
She is like the sister you never had…. what a blessing !!!
Congratulations Kenny and Mary Lu🎉🎉🎉
Thanks, Ellen. She is like the sister I never had- although my cousin Joanie filled that bill when we were young. And you and Judy did, as well. We three got along great, as I recall. Especially when we were beating up Geoff Davenport on the playground!
Wow what an anniversary card! Thank you for this tribute. Forty eight is a long time. And you even remembered vitametavegimen 😂. My favorite! Lots of hills and valleys thru life. Even many mountains but you have been on this journey with us.every turn. Hoping this new year is happy, healthy one for all. 💕
Yes, it’s been a long and winding road. Everything from “Gott in Himmel!” to “Hooters.” Funny, sad, Tommy, Broadway, Arizona, Post, kids, grandkids, Moo Moo, the whole enchilada. All of it memorable. Here’s to another forty-eight HEALTHY ones. Love, president of your fan club.
Awesome post awesome wife!!
Thanks!!
Glad you approved, Kenny. Lots of great water under the bridge. Here’s to many more years of health and happiness
What a wonderful tribute!!!
Happy Anniversary Mary Lu and Kenny🎉♥️
Thank you, dear Karen. So glad you enjoyed it. I’m a lucky girl to have friends and family as wonderful as you.
Congratulations to Mary Lu and Kenny. From my experience, the first 50 years are the hardest (we are going on #60). You are very lucky to have a wonderful sister-in-law which makes a cohesive family, and nothing is better. Mazel Tov to all of you.
You made me laugh, Vivian. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you and happy new year to you and your wonderful clan.