40 Years of Happiness

July 4th, 1970

On July 4th my in laws will be celebrating 40 years of marriage! I know that 50 years of marriage tends to be the traditional milestone for celebrating, but in this day and age I think that 40 years is just as good as 50. In Hollywood that would be equal to at least two lifetimes! Also, in the wake of the media's announcement of Al and Tipper's pending divorce after 40 years of marriage, I'm happy to report on my blog about a couple who are still going strong after 40 years of marrige and show no signs of giving up anytime soon.

George and Norma met in high school in Las Vegas Nevada. They guickly became high school sweethearts. They were married soon after their senior year. What I love about my in laws marriage is that no matter what happens in their lives they are there for eachother. They are true blue. This past Saturday their family and friends gathered together to wish them a very Happy Anniversary. It's refreshing to be with a couple who have made it through for all these many years together and still have love in their eyes for eachother. There is still a tenderness and a sweetness of having found love at such an early age and having it sustain for 40 years.

Marriage is a mystery. Some make it and some don't. I do not really have feelings either way. Sometimes life throws you curveballs and decisions have to be made. That a couple can endure a lifetime together through all it's many curveballs is truly extraordinary. I believe that a marriage needs a community of friends and family in order to help nurture it along and keep it going. I know that George and Norma's marriage has been an example to us, their children and now grandchildren, and also to their friends. It was fun being together on the beach enjoying eachother's company and celebrating the mystery of marriage. I wish my in laws many more years of marital bliss.

July 4th, 2010