Ren and I are on our way back to Ohio after spending the past week in Texas with our parents. We enjoy having time with them alone. We get to catch up more when there isn’t a house full of other siblings and grandkids. Don’t get me wrong, we love those times – but it’s been good to just have our parents to ourselves a bit.
We stayed with my folks and listened as they processed some next steps in their life. Their dear friend, Ada, passed away around Thanksgiving and they miss her dearly. So much of their time has been focused on loving her well. They have also been very sick since just before Christmas and were just beginning to get their feet back under them when we show up. I am grateful to report that they looked much better when we left then when we came.
We were also able to spend time with Ren’s parents. They have moved into a brand new assisted living facility and seem to be settling in well. They, too, were battling colds, but considering the journey they have had over the past year with Ren’s dad’s health, we were thrilled at how well they were getting along. In fact we celebrated Dad’s 80th birthday!
We showed both of our parents all the wedding pictures we could find from each daughter’s wedding. My parents were able to attend both. Ren’s parents were only able to view Caitlin’s via Skype (thanks to a dear friend and a special niece). The internet didn’t work as well for Brielle’s wedding, (rainy weather messed with us) but they did get to see Brie & Jason and talk to most of the family. It was fun sharing the stories of and remembering for them the specialness of both days.
I have often been grateful for the heritage of long marriages that our parents have given to us. But I marveled in a new way at the blessing of it again as I watched these two couples interact with their marriage partners after all these years. Both couples married in October. My parents were married 57 years ago, October 14th, and Rennie’s parents just celebrated 60 years on October 2nd.
Neither couple could anticipate how life would treat them when they said “I DO” so long ago. They didn’t understand all the nuances of “for better, for worse’; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health”. Yet they have faced it all. But central to all of it was a commitment to one another that stands the test of time.
One of the young aides at the home Ren’s parents live at told them, “I love that you two still love each other after all these years.”
I do too! I love that they love each other. It hasn’t been easy. They haven’t always ‘liked’ it. But they kept on loving each other no matter what.
Ren and I will celebrate 35 years this June! These two couples stood by us at our wedding and celebrated ‘what God hath joined together.” They have stood by us so many times since as we experienced what life threw at us. They continued to point us to the Lord and to each other through it all.
When Ren & I took a break for lunch on our long way back to our own Ohio home, I pondered what the future could bring for us! I slid my hand in his as we walked, and thanked the Lord that we have weathered the last 35 years. We can’t always plan out the circumstances of each year, but we have committed to do it together.
Wouldn’t you love to love each other at your 60th wedding anniversary? Me too!
What changes do you need to make to be sure that is true of you?
What attitude adjustments need to take place?
Who do you need to bring alongside you to help you accomplish this?
Ren & I certainly don’t have it all together- but we’re still learning. And we’re working hard to stick together no matter what! How about you?
Sixty years- Here we come!