Personal Privilege Day here at the Daily Dawg because today marks a significant anniversary. Fifty years ago, on May 26, 1973, I took a memorable trip to the laundromat on Post Oak Drive in Houston. I had to get my laundry done that day. I had just gotten home after my first year of law school and I was going out of town the next day. On my honeymoon.

This being my Special Day I was sure that one of the many women rushing about my father’s house getting ready for the Big Event would volunteer to take care of this tedious task for me. I was about to commit matrimony. Surely, someone would take my dirty underwear and other things to be washed. Dad did not have a washer/dryer, so this involved a trip to the coin operated laundromat. I dreaded spending time in the overly hot, boring laundromat with nothing to read but three-month old magazines. So I dropped numerous hints.

“It looks like I need to get some clothes washed before the wedding,” I said. No response.

“I hope there will be enough time to get my clothes washed. The wedding is in a few hours.” Nothing.

Finally, I planted my most self-pitying expression on my face, with laundry basket on my hip and said, “OK….I guess I’ll go up to the laundromat. I hope I can get back in time to make it to the church.”

They just let me walk out the door, get in the car, and drive away. Sheesh.

The OTL (One True Love) and I took the vow later that afternoon. Now here it is a full five decades later and she is Still the One.

Looking back, I think that taking care of my own dirty clothes was exactly the right way to prepare for the commitment I was about to make. One thing I have learned is that marriage is not a 50/50 deal. It’s a 100/100 deal. If that means doing your own dirty clothes, so it goes.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!

DAWG BONE: NO DAWG ON MEMORIAL DAY. WE’LL BE BACK ON TUESDAY.

Got a question or comment for the Dawg? Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com.