As a romance editor, I'm usually in it for the quick rush of falling in love. The chemistry, the attraction, the cute-meet and the falling in love. Will they or won't they? How will it happen? And then a nice epilogue with the kids and family and future all settled.
All of that is truly wonderful, and I won't be giving it up at any point!
But last weekend I was at my uncle and aunt's 50th wedding anniversary. Another aunt and uncle celebrated last year, and yet another the year before that. My parents are next year, and another uncle and aunt a few months later. (Yes, big Irish family!)
Looking around the room at all who had come to celebrate--family, friends, children and grandchildren, their siblings local and from Ireland, a cousin just announcing her pregnancy, kids running their trucks over the dance floor, the band that had been at my cousin's wedding a dozen or more years ago and more--just reaffirmed what a triumph it is to get to this stage in such a solid relationship.
They had some pictures revolving from first meeting till present, and friends and family made appearances. Seeing the tight bond we shared through the years--and squealing at the outfits and hairstyles--brought us closer together again.
In the next couple of weeks are communions and then maybe a christening later in the year. Holidays, parties, celebrations big and small. My niece is playing against my cousin's kids in T-Ball, and I want to cheer them both on (cause no score in T-Ball!).
So throughout this musing, I guess I'm just really happy to be able to celebrate these moments. I admire the strength and determination that got those couples to this milestone. And yep, hoping there will be a lot more milestones to share.
Congratulations all who make it through the year after year after year and can still smile...