A Love Story
Valentine ’s Day, the day in which lovers express their love for each other. A day to leave all other chores, obligations and stress’s behind to reconnect with that special someone. What is wonderful about Valentine’s day is it gives us the opportunity to appreciate and view your partner not just as that other person who helps chauffeur the kids around, but as the person who is your lover, life partner, confidant and friend. Life gets so busy that we sometimes lose sight of the fact that your partner is a man/woman, with needs and desires that need to be honoured, just like you have.
My grandparents were together for over 50 years. A few years before their 50th wedding anniversary, I asked my grandfather the secret to a lasting relationship. He told me patience and the willingness to suck it up and say you were sorry and stay focused on the big picture. How true it is.
Their relationship was far from perfect. They were separated for 3 years while Grandpa went to serve in WWII leaving Grandma behind to raise their first born child. I would occasionally see them get annoyed with each other and have a few words. I’m sure they struggled with the normal stress of raising 4 children as all parents do. What I remember most as a child were the smiles and laughs. Going to their place were some of my favorite times. Looking back, it strikes me what a great team they were. They had the same values and priorities….family meant everything to them. They valued each other’s strengths and respected each other. They enjoyed each other’s company. Grandpa loved to tease Grandma which would put us in stitches. Most of all, I believe that they were the best of friends throughout all of their years together. I would like to say that they were also lovers to the end however Grandma told some of us grandchildren on the day of Grandpa’s funeral that that part of their lives had ended a number of years previously due to Grandpa’s prostrate…..too much information but how cool is it to know the interest was always there!
I’m getting married this year. We have been together for 3 years. Grandpa’s words have always stayed with me and have helped me countless times as I’ve had to step back and take a look at the big picture and remember what is truly important, just like Grandma and Grandpa showed me.