Almost 6 years ago, Maggie asked us to take pictures and film her wedding. After we got a shot of Maggie and Justin in front of the temple, Mom and Dad wanted their turn... then things got a little fresh!Mom and Dad, I love finding pictures like this of the two of you. You have always been a stellar example of a couple who loves one another.
The happiness, tenderness and patience in your marriage was an unspoken comfort to me as a child, and has been an example to me and my family.
To your credit I never remember hearing either of you raise your voice to one another, manipulating or putting each other down. I'm not sure my kids could say the same, but I take some comfort in knowing they are really young and they'll probably forget it all when they're older, right?
Joseph, Hoseph, I am impressed with the things that can bee done on a computer. You probably should have saved this post for Dad because he is the one who will never give in to a good fight. But then I guess I am the one who went along with all the crazy and impromptu ideas. There were some tense moments and less than kindest words seldom spoken, but I think there were so few because we sometimes saw how hurtful it was in our own families and were determined to watch our tongues and have forgiving hearts. It always seemed like shooting flaming arrows into the other's heart when we let loose in our frustration and it is true, we love each other so much, the pain of the other usually isn't worth the satisfaction of a clever or angry word. I have to say that I personally am proud of my kids kindness as I hardly ever hear any of you be mean to the other and I don't think that is just company manners either. Mama
ReplyDelete(from the REAL Mariposa) I couldn't figure out how i had posted such a heartfelt and personal comment then realized it was mom. (sorry i never signed out of my account at your house, mom!)
ReplyDeleteI also agree that you and dad have managed to demonstrate what a happy marriage is and the work that it requires. You are amazing examples of love, patience and respect. thank you for being mature enough to never fight in front of us and for openly showing affection for one another and to each of us.
Mom, I liked your comment about how the pain is not worth the satisfaction of a clever or angry word. I need to remember that. So many years of entertaining (or trying to entertain) has led me to place a lot of value on my clever words, but it won't do me much good if I'm all alone.
ReplyDeleteYou need to teach us a little better, because I think I have heard all of my siblings argue with their spouses (me included) much more than I've heard you and dad. Do you guys wait and fight it out privately? Or are you just so nice that you never fight at all? Tell us the secret.
Oh yes--do tell us the secret!
ReplyDeleteJoe and Carrie, you both know full well that mom and dad take out all of their pent-up frustration out via card games. That's why Seth gets so wasted by them every afternoon.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever!(teenage girl emphasis added)
ReplyDeleteYou might be amazed at how many times both Nanny & Grampa go away crying after being slammed by me in rummy. I know it is sad, they just can't handle it sometimes.
I think you may be on to something Johnny. It is amazing how winning a game of cards brightens the mama's day.
I have told friends before that I've never heard my parents yell at eachother and they are always amazed. It really is a beautiful gift from our parents. Rob and I really try to keep things at "discussion" level in front of our kids because I want to give them that same gift of parents who love and respect one another.
ReplyDelete