Greetings, Abby Three years ago, my husband died. For 56 years, we were wed. Four months before our lavish Catholic wedding in California, we eloped and got married in secret in Las Vegas. Nobody ever discovered it. We didn’t say anything since my father, who comes from a Hispanic family, wouldn’t have been open. Looking back, that was a foolish move. He was 22 and I was just 19. I still reside in Washington, where we moved after husband resigned from police enforcement.
I’m wondering whether my two grown daughters should be aware of this. Our California marriage certificate, which we always commemorated as our anniversary date, and our Las Vegas marriage certificate are still with me. Is it improper to destroy the Las Vegas certificate and carry this secret into eternity? IN WASHINGTON, WONDERING
Greetings, Wondering: I don’t believe that a young couple who are incredibly in love should feel guilty about eloping. Furthermore, I don’t think your love tale is foolish in the slightest. People have the right to a few secrets as long as they don’t harm anyone. I won’t argue with you if you want to carry this one to your grave; it’s your privilege. However, since your first marriage license is a legal document, I would advise you to keep it under lock and key until you have departed from this worldly labor.
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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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