Happy Anniversary to my parents!
My parents have a beautiful marriage that has always been a wonderful example to me. I am so grateful for them.
So much could be said about their great relationship, but I think I can sum it up here:
A few years ago I had one of those paradigm-shifting moments after seeing behind the false fronts of some relationships that I had always admired and held up as a standard for what I wanted. I think this is part of growing up - finding out that adults don't always have it together and hey, relationships are flawed. However, my faith in marriage as an institution was severely shaken and I felt so confused. Was everyone faking, I wondered? Was anyone truly happy?
After letting this bug me for a week or two, I finally brought it up while sitting by my dad on the sofa, each of us reading a book.
"Is this real?" I asked him - liking to keep it nice and vague, since I was so confused.
"Is what real?"
"This - you and mom. Are you real? Is this real? Are you really happy together?"
I'll never forget his response. So certain, so sure.
"Yes, it's real. I am so glad to be married to your mom, I love her so much. Sometimes I still get butterflies when I see her."
This is real, folks.
Labels: Love Marriage & This Special Guy, Oh Brother - The Family Files