Forty-Two Years & a Sky on Fire
- Debra Flaming
- Dec 12, 2025
- 3 min read
December 10th, 2025 – An Anniversary Reflection
December 10th will always hold special meaning for us. This year, Dion and I quietly celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary, and in many ways, it felt like a perfect reflection of the life we’ve built—simple, rich, full of laughter, conversation, and grace.
We spent the evening at one of our favorite places, Indian Creek Steakhouse in downtown Caldwell. There’s something comforting about returning to a place you love—familiar flavors, familiar rhythms, and the ease of being fully present. Doug, Dion’s older brother, and his wife Holly joined us for dinner, which made the evening even sweeter. We enjoyed delicious steaks and loaded baked potatoes, the kind of meal that invites you to linger and talk a little longer than planned.
The conversation flowed easily. Doug, an avid hunter, was excited to share stories from his recent buffalo hunt, and Holly filled us in on their latest project—transforming their traditional home into a cozy cabin. It was one of those evenings where the food is wonderful, but the company makes it memorable.
When we stepped outside after dinner to wander downtown and enjoy the lights and gift shops, we were met with something unexpected and breathtaking.
The sky was ablaze—fire filling the horizon in shades of orange, crimson, and gold. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed, and we stood there in quiet awe, taking a photo because it felt like a gift meant to be remembered.
As we reflected on the evening, I couldn’t help but think about how every anniversary has found us in a different place.
Our very first anniversary was spent in Portland, Oregon, far from home and feeling a bit homesick. A dear couple with a house full of kids invited us over for dinner, and that simple act of hospitality meant more than they probably ever knew.
Years later, when we were running a retreat center on Lake Cascade, we were hosting a group of teens when one of the counselors—who had attended our wedding—asked, “Isn’t it almost your anniversary?” Dion and I looked at each other and realized it was that very day and we had completely forgotten! Life was full, busy, and joyful—and apparently, so was our marriage.
Other anniversaries have been marked by dinner dates and movies, quiet getaways to the mountain town where we honeymooned, and long, restorative hours soaking in hot springs. Each one different. Each one meaningful.
What has remained constant is us.
Over forty-two years, our closeness has done nothing but increase. Dion brings me a hot cup of coffee most mornings—he’s the early riser now. We take a walk together after breakfast. We share almost every meal. We pray together throughout the day and before drifting off to sleep at night.
We talk about everything—ideas, dreams, challenges, and the little observations that make us laugh. We don’t take ourselves, or each other, too seriously. We find each other fascinating. We love action-adventure movies and love stories equally. Dion cries more than I do—especially if animals are involved.
When it comes to food, he loves variety, and I love the same familiar favorites, so we meet somewhere in the middle. He has become a wonderful cook over the years, and I’ve learned to enjoy cleaning up more and more. I’m a neat freak; he’s more relaxed. Every few months, I organize his shop and tools to “help,” and as long as he keeps doing the amazing projects—since I can barely drive in a simple screw—I’m happy to contribute however I can.
These are some of the things that make us best friends.
More than anything, it is our shared relationship with God—and our respect for His Word—that has carried us through the hard seasons. Times when we’ve disappointed each other. Times marked by harsh words, misunderstandings, or bad attitudes. We’ve learned to lean on God to help us forgive, love, and choose grace.
When circumstances feel heavy—things neither of us can control—we’ve learned not to fight each other, but to lean into God together. Circumstances are often temporary, just the circle you’re standing in for a season. We’ve learned to fight for each other instead of against each other, because we are on the same team.
These are a few of my thoughts today, on a quiet December anniversary—grateful for forty-two years, a sky on fire, and a love that continues to deepen with time.
Choosing Love Each Day...
Debra Flaming
