What is a Marriage of Fifty Years?
A young child once asked me:
What is a marriage of fifty years?
Well, I paused, thinking of ways to explain.
In some ways, it’s a long novel, a book.
With many characters.
Parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends.
Many chapters.
Stories, dramas.
Written, lived by the protagonists.
Details, dialogues that you and I will never know.
It’s also a love song.
Slow, sensuous.
With a refrain about irresistibility, attraction.
Being overcome with passion.
It’s an inspiration.
Especially to younger people.
Couples who question whether they can make it.
When they realize the time, work, energy required.
The giving.
Sharing.
Compromise.
But when they see that it’s possible, they take heart.
Finally, it’s a testament to a couple who persevered,
hand in hand, through many stages of relationship.
Courtship.
Child bearing.
Rearing.
Launching.
Working.
Studying.
Growing self and other.
Listening.
Supporting.
Trusting.
Caring.
Tending.
Laughing.
Until they look into each other’s eyes today.
Look back together at shared memories, stories.
Relish them.
Wonder how they garnered the resourcefulness,
creativity, stamina.
Content with the seeds they sowed.
The journey.
The rewards.
Even more content with what they have now.
A simpler life.
Straightforward.
Easy.
Together.
The child was listening, but was now distracted.
By a pair of monarchs playing on some echinacea flowers.
A regal love dance.
Exquisite timing.
Elegance.
Color.
Beauty.
Known to journey thousands of miles together.
To preserve their progeny.
To make contributions to better the world.
So, I said to the child:
A marriage of fifty years is like that.
I pointed to the butterflies.
Now I understand, he nodded.
*****************************************************
So, here’s to Audrey and Hal!
Who journeyed together for years and miles.
Cherished each other.
Brought forth a clan.
Worked hard.
Contributed, each in a special way, to the world.
And now generously shares learning and wisdom with others.
Audrey and Hal, we thank you personally for your kindness, friendship,
willingness to mentor two of our sons and our daughter, and so many others.
A toast to love, marriage, friendship and long years.
Best wishes and lots of love,
Lynn & Bob