This week we celebrate our 59th wedding anniversary – and as I look back – all those years ago – I wonder if I really understood the true meaning of – ‘love’.

There was a cartoon that we loved to follow – simply called – ‘Love Is – – -‘ and we identified with so many of them – beginning with this one – “Love is – – – a journey that starts with your first meeting.”

For us – that was so true – young though we were.

And as – a few years later – we married – this one – was one that we believed in totally – “Love is – – – forever”

I guess we never really gave it a second thought – that our love would not last – as we set up home – had two beautiful baby boys – and planned for the future.

Life was full -but – of course – there were the inevitable ups and downs – that come with the years.

We faced many challenges – some that were difficult to navigate – and we began to recognise that – love is – more than a feeling – it’s a daily choice – or – to quote –

“Real love is not always exciting. It’s not always easy. But – it’s a daily choice – to stay – to grow – to repair – to love – again and again”.

Looking back – I am so glad – that we chose to make that daily choice – as we have grown through life together – weathered many storms – repaired the storm damage quickly – and chosen to love – again and again.

Our lives together have been rich – and happy – allowing us to collect so many wonderful memories – of places we have had the privilege to visit – people we whose paths we have crossed – and all of it side by side – learning more and more – what true love really is.

For – “Love is not – ‘if’ – or – ‘because’ – Love is – ‘anyway’ – and – ‘even though’ – and – ‘in spite of’.

And so – as we celebrate all the years we have been together – we do so – with no regrets – but rather – with hearts full of gratitude – for the richness – that sharing our lives together has given us.

Blessings – Lois