On Nov. 28, 1998, I made one of the best decisions of my life: I married my wife, Gena. This Tuesday will be our 19th anniversary.
I met my true valentine when I was filming Walker, Texas Ranger. One of my best friends, Larry Morales, came to Dallas for a visit while I was filming.
At the time, I was living the single life, and even though I had a successful TV series, I was miserable. I used to devote my life to fame and fortune. I had learned a hard lesson in those years: If your whole life is spent trying to make money and you neglect the important people in your life, you will create a deep void in your heart and soul, not to mention your relationships. I fell into this trap.
Larry realized that I had everything but I had nothing, so he decided to introduce me to a lady he wanted me to meet. It just so happened that she had a modeling assignment in Dallas.
One evening, I was at a sushi restaurant with about 12 people, including a date, when Larry walked in with a young lady. He began introducing her to everyone, but I was engrossed in conversation with my date and didn’t notice – that is, until Larry called my name and said he wanted me to meet Gena. I looked up at her, and all I could see was an angel staring into my eyes. I stuttered, “Oh … er … hi! Nice to meet you.”
When I finally turned back to my date, all I could see were daggers in her eyes. She immediately got up and left.
After the meal, Larry took Gena back to her hotel. But the next morning, she and I had breakfast together, and she invited me to her fashion show, where she was modeling wedding gowns.
One particular gown had a long train, and as Gena was walking, it hooked on a potted plant, and she dragged it down the runway. She was quite embarrassed.
Kiddingly, I said, “I was thinking about buying that potted plant.”
The next day, I called my mom and told her all about Gena and about her modeling gowns. Mom said, “Is that giving you any ideas about marriage?”
“Nope,” I said. “I’m never getting married again.”
Famous last words! We’ve now been married 19 years!
It’s easy to get caught up in infatuation, but true love takes time and a lot of work. It’s also tempting to give up, especially when times get tough. But there’s no prize without perseverance. It’s true in sports. It’s true in relationships.
If you’re dating, you must not leave your brains at the door. Don’t merely consider the other person’s outer traits, but discover what makes that person tick on the inside – especially spiritually. Don’t compromise your morals or principles when dating or searching for a soulmate. Make sure your core values and beliefs align with the other person’s.
And don’t be in a rush – take your time. Otherwise, you might succumb to the folly of Socrates, who once said: “By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll become happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher”!
Speak of humor, the No. 9 entry in my 101 Official Chuck Norris Facts book reads: “On Valentine’s Day, Chuck Norris gives his wife the still-beating heart of one of his enemies.” (Being the romantic type, Chuck believes every day should be Valentine’s Day.)
That’s funny, but there’s a profound truth in there as well. I think we all should be that vigilant to fight and protect our relationships, especially through increased stressful and difficult times like the holiday season can be.
Thanksgiving to New Years can be an amazing joyous time for love, marriage and family. The season can also pose the greatest of relational tests.
Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher North America, the company that created the popular Asscher-cut diamond, explained: “Thanksgiving to New Year’s is our best time for business. Percentage-wise, the last three months account for 50 percent of engagement rings we sell each year.”
On the other hand, a Health article I read this past week explained that relational love is more at risk during the holiday season because of enhanced stressful environments like forced social gatherings, familial and financial struggles, substance abuse and even differing opinions on what to give and to whom to give it.
What’s often lost in our Christmas culture wars is the one that fights for love and marriage. If you care for each other, if you value your relationship and the institution of marriage, discuss the potential problems that can possibly await you. Make a plan to keep your love and relationship a priority above all.
Recently, you may have heard that Gena and I are suing 11 Big Pharma companies because my beloved wife was poisoned by routine MRIs. I’m risking everything to help her win those cases. We’re both risking everything to fight for others too, because millions of others have been affected. That’s what love does; it fights.
As the great love chapter in the Bible says: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
The reason I have to persevere and work doubly hard to stay in good shape now is because Gena wants to celebrate our 50th golden anniversary together. I’ll be 108, but I intend to be there!
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, once said, “She is but half a wife who is not a friend.”
Gena is my best friend, the love of my life, and the instrument to my spiritual renewal as a Christian. I’m beyond blessed to have her as my wife. She is my heart.
Happy anniversary, honey! The truth is: Every anniversary is golden with you!
