The Half Century Mark

On the day we married in Chicago it snowed. Today, fifty years later, there's snow on the ground but the sun is shining in Baltimore. Life...it's all about change. 

Back when we married I couldn't envision being fifty years old myself, let alone being married that long. Once in a while we're asked it there's a secret to staying together this long. And there is.

Don't leave. Of course, if your life--or your children's lives--are in danger, then don't waste time packing. Just go.

I know there are folks who have lost a spouse through death by accident, war, or illness. We've been fortunate. No question. But all things being equal, longevity in marriage is mostly about hanging in through the bad, the good, and once in a while, the ugly. 

I look at the picture of us when we were so young and untried and I think, boy, we didn't know what we were signing up for, did we? But we were tough. We're stronger than we were then. It's not about romance, though that's nice. It's about sticking together, enduring the bad times, embracing the good times, and living your vows every day.

I'm still not convinced it's been fifty years...