This week I read a piece written by Paul McCartney about his time after the Beatles broke up. He talked of his struggles and how he moved on to a better place while living with his family on a farm in northern Scotland. He repeatedly gave credit to Linda, his wife, for being a critical influence in most everything important – it got me to thinking about some of the most important areas of my life.
In just a month, December 5th, Tricia and I will have been married for 38 years. We have a lot of wonderful memories, with of course a few bumps in the road as all relationships have, but so many great times. With Paul McCartney’s article fresh in my mind I got to thinking about how much Tricia’s influence has shaped the most important areas in my life – there are many but three rose to the top.
The most important thing in my life is my faith, yet, when we got together 38 years ago I had drifted away from God and church. I never did reject my faith or the church, but I had become ambivalent. I was adrift, but God sent me a lifeline named Tricia. When she learned that I had spent time as a pastor, a teacher, and at Bible college, she started to ask me questions. Since I wanted to spend time with her I got back to reading and talking about the Bible and what it meant, that was all it took to reignite the embers. I will be eternally grateful for those times.
I should put a disclaimer in here before I continue. Tricia is one of the most helpful people you could ever know, but she prefers to do so in the shadows, so I am avoiding superlatives and effusive praise, just a thank you for 38 years.
The second area is my art, theTravelkstcher may not have happened if not for Tricia. When we were vacationing on Orcas Island she encouraged me to buy a newsprint sketchpad and a pencil and start sketching. I remember sitting in front of the fireplace at the BnB we were staying at, drawing the fireplace, somehow I thought straight lines would be easier. She has encouraged me every step of the way, put up with the clutter of an artist, and is always constructive; she thankfully never gives false praise.
The third, and easily right up there with my faith in importance, is our daughter, Alexis. Tricia was such a caring and supportive mom, she deserves a lot of credit for the special person Alexis has become. Along the way Tricia has been a step-mom to my sons Aaron and Adam – she taught Aaron how to drive, and Adam calls her mom – they all connect so well.
So as I look at the 38 years I am grateful. Tricia encouraged me to audition with Fred Pryor Seminars which lead to the career that I loved; the travel I did as a seminar speaker produced theTravelsketcher.
Along the way we have traveled to more countries than I ever would have dreamt, we have eaten at some amazing restaurants, and we cook tasty dishes as part of our routine. We even lived in France for a bit, the best time of my life. And of course our traveling days are not over, we talk daily about places we want to explore.
So thank you Tricia, please forgive me for this post – blame Paul McCartney.
Who has been instrumental in your life?
theTravelsketcher 
I certainly don’t feel deserving of this, but thank you. You have helped me improve and move on from many things as well. Thanks for this; love you.
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What a beautiful post and congratulations on 38 years together. You asked who has been instrumental in my life – there was a friend of my mother’s who was always there, in the background, to give advice/support. I miss her still. But also my dear husband but in a different way: my best friend and sounding board.
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As one who too often tries to go it alone I do know how important the people in our life can be, sure had to get old to get it though. Thanks as always. I love that I even hove people I know in NZ, thanks.
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LOVEly
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Tanks so much.
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A beautiful share, Terry, as your life with Tricia has been. So good you appreciate each other xx
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Yes, but I am not always easy to put up with.
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Nor me xx
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This is touching. As you describe Tricia, she sounds like a wonderful person and a good friend. Having recently lost my mother, I am mindful of the ways she influenced my life, many of which were invisible to me at the time of her influence. Now that I am old, I feel supremely grateful.
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I get that, my dad was such a friend, I miss him.
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The Powers that are somehow meant you to be together and make the world a better place thru’ that . . . may the productive and contented togetherness last for many years to come . . . bestest . . .
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10 years ago I joined a book club and made such good friends there they have become huge support to me.
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Books and friends, perfect combo.
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Worthy praise indeed. It’s been a life of input and output for both of you. So many interactions with countries, people, hobbies, family. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!
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Thank you so much, hard to believe it has been 38 years.
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Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. My M has been the most instrumental although there have been several others. What is the name of the Paul McCartney piece? I would like to read that. Cheers.
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Thanks. It was in the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/nov/02/paul-mccartney-lost-years-after-the-beatles-wings-story-of-band-on-run?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
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Thank you very much, Terry.
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