Today is my parents' 33rd anniversary. As I get older, it becomes clear to me that the qualities I require for a future spouse have been shaped a lot by what I've learned from them - trustworthiness, communication, acceptance. They know the other's strengths and weaknesses, and watching the balance that time has given them - it's a beautiful and enviable thing.
Though they're not immune disagreements and difficulties, they just keep on holding hands and looking towards the future. There are still lessons I need to learn from them (ehem...like when to drop an argument, among other things), but the biggest thing is that a marriage is a living thing. Feed it and nurture it, or it dies. I am so glad that they've managed to keep theirs alive - what an amazing challenge to live up to.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
