We wrote our own vows in 1975 for our ocean side wedding with two best friends and four teenagers as witnesses. We vowed to stand together, yet separate like two tall fir
trees – roots entwined, yet free to grow as tall and strong as possible. For over 30 years now we have kept our promise to one another – not to try to change the other – but rather to help each other be the very best we could be. Whether it was about raising our children, developing our individual careers, or inspiring daily hopes and dreams, our morning huddle over a cup of coffee continues to provide us with the time to connect and support one another. Ron started waking me with a cup of coffee every single day from the time we met. At first I was shocked by the special attention and I must admit over the years I have become spoiled by it! Our ritual was interrupted for a short time in 2006 when Ron was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. Then it became my turn to nurture and care for him. Ron seems to be back to normal now, but things are not the same. Now we find ourselves focused on caring for each other in a new way – with deep appreciation for each new day together. We are learning how to live to our fullest potential by being joyful each day in spite of our aches and pains. Letting go of the past demanding life style and even letting go of unfulfilled expectations and disappointments brought by world changes beyond our control. So here I am – Growing Old with Ron – trying my best to capture the "Wisdom" that is supposed to come with this stage of life.
trees – roots entwined, yet free to grow as tall and strong as possible. For over 30 years now we have kept our promise to one another – not to try to change the other – but rather to help each other be the very best we could be. Whether it was about raising our children, developing our individual careers, or inspiring daily hopes and dreams, our morning huddle over a cup of coffee continues to provide us with the time to connect and support one another. Ron started waking me with a cup of coffee every single day from the time we met. At first I was shocked by the special attention and I must admit over the years I have become spoiled by it! Our ritual was interrupted for a short time in 2006 when Ron was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. Then it became my turn to nurture and care for him. Ron seems to be back to normal now, but things are not the same. Now we find ourselves focused on caring for each other in a new way – with deep appreciation for each new day together. We are learning how to live to our fullest potential by being joyful each day in spite of our aches and pains. Letting go of the past demanding life style and even letting go of unfulfilled expectations and disappointments brought by world changes beyond our control. So here I am – Growing Old with Ron – trying my best to capture the "Wisdom" that is supposed to come with this stage of life.
Somewhere in the memories, the crazy experiences, the daily routines there must be bits and pieces of the virtues that really matter. In the days to come I will share some of those life changing moments and I am really hoping that those of you drawn to this blog will share your piece of the "wisdom puzzle" as well. I will leave you today with a short admonition that I have heard from Ron at least ten thousand times over our years together: When I am sad, depressed, complaining and rebelling about what is, Ron always says, "You Choose! The day will pass whether you are happy or sad, it will be gone! Why waste it?"
5 comments:
Betty - What a lovely, and loving, first post! How lucky are we to know you and Ron...I can't wait to read more as you share your stories. Nice job.
Thanks for all your help Cynthia!
I will learn how someday.
BAD
Betty, loved your picture and your idea. It will be enjoyable to read some stories of wisdom and experience by us elders. My first thought is "Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Time passes so quickly and there are many things left to see and/or be done.
hi betty,
i really enjoyed meeting you and ron as well as cynthia, mike and steve when i went down to visit during spring break. i'm glad you got hooked on blogging. i just read your first 3 entries. i love your style of writing and really enjoyed your stories. i look forward to many more. and i agree with ron, we can pretty much decide how we feel although at times when we are dealing with challenges it is not as easy to stay upbeat. still, we have to try to make the best of every day-life is short so we need to enjoy it as much as possible.
take care and say hi to ron. enjoy the fish. cynthia had told me in an e-mail that you had invited them over for tomorrow.
have a great weekend!
teresa
Thanks Teresa,
We had a great afternoon with Cynthia & Mike. They brought wine and flowers! They are so very thoughtful. Ron's "catch" was great!
Betty
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