Check out this adorable couple! Today would've been the anniversary of my grandparents (aka Bonmom & Bondad). I want to take a moment to pay tribute to what made these guys a "model" couple!
First, let me say that I am surrounded by amazing couples. My married siblings have made most amazing spousal selections! Members of the Girl Posse have each wrangled a guy who smothers them with love-n-affection without stifling their independent spirits.
But THIS couple - they set the bar for sacred unions - at least MY bar! Were they perfect? Nope. Did they struggle? Yep! Just what was it that made 'em such a model couple?...
- Their faith in God and his special calling for their lives served as the guiding force in their marriage, family life, careers and relationships with others.
- They truly enjoyed each other's company. They could most definitely be serious (especially that "Bad-Dad") - but, their pranks, laughs and penchant for F-U-N reigned supreme!
- They talked ... alot! They didn't always agree - but Bonmom's gentle firmness (or was it firm gentleness) generally prevailed when the outcome mattered most - which makes Bondad a genius in my book!
- They explored ... their fears, their neighborhood, their country and the world... and they did it together (as long as they could). They were two of the most adventurous people I knew. I blame them for my undying "wanderlust" and desire to see new & far-off places.
- They lived active, healthy lifestyles and "worked out" together. Their favorite pasttime was riding their tandem bicycle. Although Bondad claimed he did all the peddling, we all know that Bonmom's knock-out legs (and those hah-na-na ankles) would suggest otherwise!
- They had common interests - but plenty of outlets for independent activities. Bondad's revolved around business and stocks (yowza - don't we wish we had his guidance these days). Bonmom gravitated toward community service, "homemakers' skills" (knitting, sewing, needlework) and other crafts (she also was an aspiring actress in her earlier days ... a trait that has been passed along to so many of her great-grandchildren ... we think we're thankful for this).
- They worked stuff out! They each came from humble beginnings and worked together to build riches - not just the monetary kind - but treasures that can only be derived from strong faith, commitment to family and large doses of frivolity.
- You know they simply loved being with one another! He wrote her poetry (some written on butcher paper that covered doorways). She made sure there was a yummy lunch ready each day when he ventured home from the office at the noontime hour. He provided well. She created a beautiful and loving home that our entire family enjoyed up to the day we had to say our final good-byes to 16 Ridge! Respect, admiration and affection were palpable!
- Of course, they loved basketball ... so need I really say more?
So on these days when the world seems to be just a little bit NUTS ... let's take just a few minutes to celebrate those in our lives who have proven that love IS the answer. By emulating their spirit, don't you think we have no choice but to make things better?!
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