I have to say I have one of the most amazing wives and one of the most amazing families. If you have read some of my past posts you have seen me talk about my family a lot, they really do mean everything to me!
Today was my sixteenth wedding anniversary and though it was a happy day, it still managed to be filled with some sadness for me because part of my youth was shattered today… literally!
This morning started out like just like any other great anniversary should, with hugs, kisses and telling each other how great the last sixteen years have been. To be honest, it was just like any other day, except two of our kids were spending the night at a friend’s house. That made it kind of quiet around the Clark household, but that was a good thing.
So, we made our plans. We were going to move some stuff from our present house to our new home and my parents were going to take the kids that night so we could go out to dinner. So, we loaded up the trailer, packed everything good and tight, or so I thought, and we started the trek to the new home.
As we rounded the 2nd corner, that is when it happened! Between the corner and a minor bump, a piece of wood broke on my KISS pinball machine. This board was the one that held the back in place, and that in turn, holds the decorative glass in place that basically takes an ordinary pinball machine and makes it a KISS pinball machine. Without a picture, you don’t really have anything but a frame.
As we rounded the corner at less that 5 MPH, this was a parking lot driveway, the glass went flying and shattered on the road below. My college friend, my KISS pinball machine, was gone in less than 30 seconds. It was rather a sad day for me and I don’t know if I will ever be able to replace it as I’ve only seen one other in 30 years.
So, thanks Samantha, for 16 wonderful years of marriage and sorry the last part of the day was filled with depression over the loss of my beloved pinball machine. I look forward to another great year of marriage, despite what the magic 8 ball said to expect!
Todd Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
Palazzo Realty Group
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)746-9573
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard. All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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Todd, congratulations on your anniversary, and big bummer regarding the pinball machine. My 8 year old nephew is staying with me right now and his favorite thing to do is watch KISS videos on the computer. He is devastated at your loss. One day at a time, Todd...
Well written and sorry for your loss. . wishing you a Happy Anniversary !
OMG, KISS was the best pinball machine ever. I spent a whole summer playing it in an arcade here in the Atlanta area...
My young nephew who was "working" with me at the time and I became so proficient that we "always had a replay!"
Let's be realistic ...you can fix your marriage...but a KISS pinball machine???
Now THAT'S a tragedy! Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
Todd,
I know we have talked about your Kiss pinball machine on the phone and how you loved to play that with your kids. Maybe someone in your area will find your blog and call you and sell you theirs that they are looking to get rid of. Good luck and I'm sorry about your loss, but I do need to say congratulations on 16 years of marriage.
Remember that is more important than any pinball machine!
Happy anniversary. Be careful out there!
I wanted to stop by and wish you a happy and safe 4Th of July. I hope you have a great holiday.Now take her and buy her something expensive.
Happy Anniversary to you Todd.
It is only a thing...you have 16 wonderful years of memories with your wife.
You will still be known as the "Pinball Wizard"...right? Congrats on 16 years. They pass so quickly!
I loved Kiss pinball machine. Another favorite of mine was Pac-Man. I spent hours on that machine
Sorry for your loss.
Happy 16th Anniversary. Have a happy 4th of July.
Todd - so sorry for your loss, but, congrats on the 16 years and many more.
Hi Todd ~ I'm a collector - not of pinball machines but of a whole bunch of things I'm similarly obsessed with - so I can definitely feel your pain. Bummer!! I just remarked to some potential sellers yesterday - their house was filled with the possessions of 70+ years, all in like new condition - that not moving much or at all is what keeps stuff in such good condition. Moving can be risky to our stuff!
Happy anniversary!
Liz
Hi Todd...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY my Friend.
The Pin Ball machine can be replaced someday if it is real important. The Bottom Line is for an Anniversary present to yourselves, you both are moving into a New home today..That's makes it a Pretty Neat Day...Be Happy!
Plus it's the Fourth of July...mmm there must be another story here....:O))
Cheers, have a Neat day, we moved into a new home two years ago and it is just getting better and better(yard stuff, painting etc etc)
Happy anniversary and my sympathy over the loss of your beloved pinball machine.
Todd - My your old friend RIP! That's a tough break! No pun intended! I accidental broke one of my late mothers salt and peppershakers that I grew up with ... I was devastated! I understand!
Todd --- I know you were attached to the pin ball machine, but hey, at least you didn't break or lose one of your children or your wife, so I would have to say that your day was successful after all. I know you probably hate these folks saying that the pin ball machine is not important --- but at the end of the day, is it?
Hugs from your
Todd, Congrats on 16 years! May you have a fabulous 4th!
Todd,
What a great start! May the next 22 be as happy as mine and Brenda's.
Brenda could tell you about great in laws, alas I wouldn't know! I do have a good but aloof Brother in law.
All our best!
Bill and Brenda
Gotta hire those stagers to move your stuff for you -- they know how to move with care! (Really sorry for your loss)
Congrats and many more years of wedded bliss -- the really important thing!
Todd - So sorry for your loss! I hope you find a good solution to the problem! Broken Glass is hard to replace, maybe EBay or Craig's list ... I'll be you find something!
Todd, That is great on the marriage and it stinks for your loss!
Todd- You can't take your KISS pin ball machine with you when you pass on to the other side, but you can take Samantha! Happy Anniversary! Everything happens for a reason!
Todd: Congratulations my friend, Happy Anniversary! So, the KISS Pinball gets a launch into the ethereal, but you'll always have a great story to tell, and you'll never forget what you did on your 16th anniversary...
It is funny how our possessions become so important to us. No matter how big or small they remind us of other people or times and they are special. I'd think Ebay or Craigslist might have one of these in time - you NEVER know what peole try and sell !!! Congrats on 16 years. Now if the wife is the awesome wife you say she is lets see if she can secretly find you a new KISS glass for your 17th!!! :D
Objects can hold a tremendous amount of meaning for us and it's sad that you had to lose something so important to you on such a meaninful day. Congrats on your anniversary! It sounds like you've got a wonderful wife and I'm sure she was very understanding.
Todd,
May you and Samantha have at least another 16 years of joys and surviving "major" sorrows together! All the best in your new home too.
Moving IS so hard on possessions. And hard on your wife too. You MOVED on your anniversary? Oh, that calls for a BIG something tomorrow ...
Happy 16th! What a great milestone ....
Watch for #17 ... there's probably a new pinball machine coming .............
Todd - I am sorry to hear of your loss. I used to love that machine myself as a youth. In fact, I remember spending a couple of years in elementary school drawing pictures of all of the members of KISS. I celebrated my own sixteenth anniversary in January, as you may recall.
- Your evil twin
O my goodness! I am so sorry to hear that Todd! Ugh! KISS was my husband's favorite band (back before I knew him, of course). So KNOW how earth shattering (no pun intended) this must have been for you! Happy anniversary, though! 16 years is so awesome! My husband and I just celebrated our 21st anniversary in June. I wish you many many more happy years together!