Fifty Years of a Youthful Marriage

Can you imagine any other way to rejoice in aging than to celebrate 50 years of marriage with the one with whom you fell in love that many years ago? I had the pleasure of enjoying that memorable moment this last weekend. With two people, Pat and Diane, obviously still very much in love with each other, their 4 children, 9 grandchildren and about 200 friends and guests, I felt warmly included even though I only knew three people in the room.

In their 70’s, married in memorable 1959, the program included a brilliantly narrated picture musical by the bride’s brother. Fifties and sixties music reminded us how special we all were to have lived that era. We were introduced to each birth of the family, joyous family moments, and travels – to 81 countries over 50 years. The admiring twosome commemorated their time together by repeating their vows in a stunning ceremony of little pomp, yet great circumstance.

Later, over hors’ d’oeuvres and a chocolate cake to marry for, the guests shared stories among each other about their special times with the honored couple. When cutting the delicious cake the much respected couple spoke of their meeting, very short dating period and his mother getting into the act by declaring: “You better not let her go.” After only two momentous dates, the first of which she recounted Pat had roving hands, Pat later proposed through the mail by sending a ring to Diane’s mother to put on Diane’s finger.

During the eating and soft drink camaraderie I was introduced to a couple whom I was told were “in their 80’s.” They sat somewhat quietly at our table, she joyously smiling, and he with his hands all over her shoulders, holding hands, and they too obviously quite still in love. When speaking with George upon their departure, it was like a bolt from the blue with the strong character noticeably committed to mankind and his profession as a heart surgeon. Another person in love!

This afternoon shattered any potential myth of the older generation losing its youthful capacity to love another deeply over 50 years. I came away not only smiling, but with a rejuvenated sense of admiration for humankind and love for others, and that love does endure what many others have sometimes rebuked with cynicism.

To be able to love another with such depth after half a century, speaks not of aging, but of the continued beautiful bouquet of youth within our hearts. With the tumultuous past 50 years in our country, to still say, “I love you,” and mean it with emotion and tears, shows the extraordinary human heart’s capacity to love in spite of the external. Let’s celebrate our aging with a tribute; remember your age by showing your love to someone today.