Long Term Love

Valentine’s Day means cupid, red roses and steamy romance to many people. To some, it means sending or receiving secret messages of love.  To me, it brings cause for reflection and a sense of gladness.

About 76 years ago, give or take a few months, two ten-year-olds became best friends.  One was a boy, small of stature.  The other, a young girl, daughter of the town’s preacher.  They shared walks to school and get togethers at each other’s homes.  The little fellow could be seen carrying his girl’s accordion home for her when the need arose, even though it practically dwarfed him in size.  Chivalry lived in those days.

Only a few years later, the girl moved away with her family and the two would not reunite until both had completed college and begun their careers, he in journalism and she in education.  It wasn’t a chance meeting, mind you.  Her father and his older brother conspired to bring them back together.  What had begun as puppy love would eventually become a lifelong, affirming relationship.

At age 26, they wed and began life together.  A family quickly ensued and the days, months and years passed rapidly.  As in every relationship, there was happiness and sadness, challenges and triumphs.  But through it all, their love endured.

Now, nearly 60 years later, these two people, my father and mother, continue to live out their marital vows, taken with great seriousness and determination.  As illness and infirmity have taken their toll, my mother accepts this phase of her life, and appreciates her husband for the great love he holds for her.  Daily, he lives up to his vow, “for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, from this day forward…”

I have great respect for these two important people in my life, and honor their love and commitment.  This is what Valentine’s Day is all about to me.