HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, I squealed as I bounded through the front door of my parent’s house in Tennessee.  I just happened to be in town for their 33rd wedding anniversary and I couldn’t be more excited for them.  Newly married myself, I wanted to know one thing.  “How have your guys done it?   What do you feel like is most important in having a successful marriage?”  Here is what they had to say…

From my dad:

The real reason your mom and I have been together for 33 years is because we are soul mates.  We have so many of the same interests that it makes it easy to be together.  Just as important is the trust and respect we have for each other.  I believe those two qualities must be present in a marriage to make it successful.  Lastly, our priorities are in alignment.  We put God first, then each other and our children.  We both agree on what is most important and that makes decision making easier.  

From my mom:

I believe your dad and I have been together for 33 years because we CHOOSE to love each other…everyday.  I don’t believe people fall in love and I don’t believe people fall out of love.  Loving someone is a choice, a commitment you make to one another.  We might not like each other everyday, but we make the conscious decision and effort to love and support one another through it all.  That is the secret to a successful marriage.

Mom and Dad, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.  You have been a wonderful example for me and I hope I am as happy as you 33 years from now.  I love you both!