LETTERS

Marriage is a lifetime commitment

Posted 9/15/21

To the Editor, This September my wife and I will be celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary. Our long lasting marriage was enriched from the beginning by receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony. Sincere love, trust, charity, and sharing a common faith are

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LETTERS

Marriage is a lifetime commitment

Posted

To the Editor,

This September my wife and I will be celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary. Our long lasting marriage was enriched from the beginning by receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony. Sincere love, trust, charity, and sharing a common faith are just a few of the attributes we both have shared over the years. 

We have sincere gratitude for the many gifts we have received especially our health.  Also having a close and happy family and wonderful friends. The birth of our children, their marriages and the birth of our grandchildren were also some of the joyful happenings we have been blessed with.

The fun of family travel, enjoying the changing seasons and participating in many of the regional social events were very pleasant experiences within our marriage. We also endured as many of you have the loss of family members, close friends, and Illness, which are just a few of life’s adversities.

We first met at a place called Schiller’s now Spain’s in Narragansett in the late Summer of 1960 and were married in the late Summer of 1961. We returned this summer to dine at Spain’s for an early celebration of our 60th at the same building where we first met in 1960. 

Time passes slowly now as we are limited in our leisure time activities since most of our friends are no longer present in our lives or are restricted from travel. Over some 35 years we traveled with ten or more couples for long weekends up and down the Atlantic coast. We enjoyed working together on committees, setting up, and attending ethnic or church sponsored social dances. We even participated in ethnic parades. These dances with live bands were prevalent in many parish centers or social clubs most every weekend during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. 

In retirement we both are active in worthwhile pursuits. My wife is active in volunteer efforts. I pursue certain interests such as photography, gardening, cooking and an agenda by submitting commentary on many issues of life safety and supporting our first responders with an extended effort for gaining a national day of appreciation.

Looking back at our jobs and careers we were fortunate that we were able to provide for most of life’s necessities although not many of our wants. 

We both have had interesting careers and local travel was a daily part of my wife’s career as a registered nurse. For myself later in life I created a small business consultant company and had the opportunity to travel as my client’s work required. 

Married life in today’s fast past living is extremely difficult for “living happily ever after”. For some the new normal is gaining wealth, prestige and fame in order to prosper. In many ways it is a “me” life style.

For those who are recently married or will be soon I would like to offer my simply advise. Place yourself in a position of listening, sharing, and caring for the needs of each other. A long lasting marriage requires commitment, honesty, and a lasting love affair.

Now go out and enjoy your unique journey and create your own memories as only you both can, Remember we are only human so when mistakes happen understand that you can learn from these unfortunate incidents and begin again your path to a happy, lasting, responsible marriage and a wonderful life.  

Bob Sweeney

Warwick 

marriage, anniversary

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