182 YEARS

Penny for your Thoughts by: Nancy Whitaker

At graduation parties you meet a lot of people you may think you know, but really don’t know a lot of details.  We see couples with kids, and their kids and then their kids. Then you see 3 couples sitting together with spouses and you appreciate the fact that these couples are still in love and married.

Some marriages last forever, some last a few days  and some couples just say “goodbye” to each other.  But I was pleasantly surprised to run into some of my daughters-in-law’s family that proved that marriages can and do last forever.

At the party were three brothers. They each had their wives with them and all sitting together. First of all  I asked, “Are you guys and gals all together?” and then I asked, “How long have you all been married?”

One couple spoke up and replied they had been married 62 years. What a blessing to meet them. The next couple had been married 61 years. The third couple had been married 58 years. A grand total of 182 years of love, commitment, work, children good times and bad times.

Stop and think about  their children, nieces, nephews and all of the lives brought into the world. Of course during these 62 years with children and love, they lived through a lot of new things in technology. One thing that was exciting to me was things invented which made life easier. Their marriages has lasted thru many presidents, different kinds on cars, computers, restaurants, rock and roll music, McDonald’s and Kmart. One couple had 7 children, another had 4 and the lady one had 5 children.

Through the years they took kids to sporting events, school functions – taught them to walk, talk, tie their shoes. They attended church and taught the value of hard work.

Those of us who have been married 10, 20, or 25 years are experiencing the same life. 

Seeing couples, especially 3 brothers and wives adding up a total of 182 years of marriage lets me know that some marriages last forever.

An internet counselor said this: keys to a successful marriage is Respect, Communication, Agree to Disagree, Listen, Keep Romance Alive, Take Time For Each Other, Have Common Goals, and Be Truthful.

Are you married? If so, for how long? Do you kiss your spouse when saying good bye or good night? Do you have the same likes and dislikes? 

Let me know and I’ll give you a Penny for your thoughts!

Authors note: I have been fortunate to have been married to two different nice men. I was married to each one for 25 years and they both passed away from long illnesses.  Do I believe in love? Oh yes! I love everyone.