Brad asked my grandpa today if he had any marriage advice and he said, "Always be kind to each other, and always respect each other." So simple, yet so challenging...and something they have done an extraordinary job of for the last half a century.
For the last five weeks or so, my grandparents have not been doing well physically and it has been a very difficult time for my family. Both Grandma and Grandpa have been in and out of the hospital with very serious medical problems and one of the most difficult parts has been that they can not be together every day, as they have been for more than half their life. Throughout all of it, however, they have both remained positive, optimistic and hopeful. It is so sweet to watch their faces light up when we give them reports on how the other one is doing or when they do finally get to see each other. As the visit they always hold hands and listen intently to what the other has to say. One of the best things in life is to have a partner that sticks with you through the thick and thin and then when you are old and struggling they still love you and have your best interest at heart. No matter how sick either one of them is, they are always more worried about the other one.
Today I read the anniversary cards that they wrote to each other and their expression of love to each other made me cry. Their love, bond and respect for each other is so deep, solid and strong. I can only strive to be like that when I am 80!
My favorite part of the cards was the way my grandpa concluded his - it read: "Love you Honey (George)." Like she might have forgotten. :)
Congratulations Grandpa and Grandpa on 55 years of beautiful marriage! I love you!
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” - Robert Heinlein
1 comment:
55 years what an amazing couple!! We can all learn a lot about love and commitment from people like your grandparents.
Mel
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