The Golden Years

 January 2nd was my parents 52nd Anniversary and I want to wish them a Happy Anniversary!!! For more than 10 years now, I’ve enjoyed making them an upscale Anniversary dinner and it was something that my sister and I started together. I’m not a gourmet chef but I cook with love. This year Dad wanted it simple because he likes for me to not run around the kitchen busting my derriere so much lol. So, I kept it simple yet with classy ingredients…pictures below 😊

Can you imagine being married to someone for 52 years?? Mom said she could write a book on marriage and I believe her! I don’t think marriage is always a walk in the park but making a lifelong commitment helps to keep it growing. The most important things I’ve learned from their marriage are keeping God at the center of it all, respect, love and sacrifice for each other, communicating, spending time together, and at times giving each other some space. Every now and then, Mom and Dad “date” each other and go out and do things together that they both enjoy. Dad tells her how beautiful she is and how much he loves her and Mom tells him how handsome he is and how much she loves him. I’ve seen my Dad’s “emotions” come out when he talks about my Mom-his voice gets tender, his heart super soft, and he gets a “tickle" in his throat and “something” in his eyes LOL! My Mom can’t talk about how much she loves and appreciates Dad without crying. They tell each other they love each other every day, multiple times a day…such a lovey-dovey couple.

I’ve never been married and I’m not here to give marriage advice so I’m gonna let the “experts" do it. I asked them both, “what is marriage/love?”

DaddyO:

“ It’s a surrender of self to serve, honor, love and respect your spouse.” He recommended a book for couples to read “Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

Sweet Mother:

Marriage is a building of a relationship between two people who are committed and making sure the other mate is happy, loved, taken care of, that they are the upper most important in each other’s lives. Marriage is the love and commitment they have for each other. It’s also putting your mate first before yourself, communicate with each other, discuss things together. Love is what it takes to keep the marriage together. Love is the key important thing to be sure your mate and family are your priority. Sometimes there will be ups and downs but commitment will help bring a resolution to the rough parts along the way. Marriage is a threefold cord and God is top priority in helping to keep it together, He's at the center of things.

This is Not Healthy: One last thing I want to add, and it doesn’t take being in a relationship to know this, being in an abusive relationship is not love. Domestic violence/intimate partner violence is a real threat to its victims, including children that might be in the home, and it’s not always physical. It can also be mental, emotional, financial, sexual coercion and control (intimidation, threats, etc.) In my line of work, I encounter victims of DV every day and it takes strength, courage, social support, and a safety plan to make their escape. For their safety, we can’t just ask them “why don’t you leave?” because there’s more that goes on than we know. Years ago, I used to volunteer for “White Lion Against Domestic Violence”, an organization started to help victims and raise aware of DV in the community. Over the years (through education and speaking with victims), I became aware of how dangerous this type of abuse is. Please go to www.thehotline.org if you are in situation like this.  

Warm Wishes,

Carline









Comments

  1. DaddyOJanuary 22, 2022 at 7:42 AM

    Wow! Nicely written with heart. Love you daughter. Thanks for a great dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CarlineJanuary 22, 2022 at 8:06 AM

    You are welcome DaddyO!

    ReplyDelete

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