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Sunday, November 17, 2013

Thankfulness.

I've been married to a thankful man, someone who is constantly expressing his gratitude, for being alive, for a good meal, for a bit of sunshine, and even for simple things like finding his glasses right there where he thought he left them.

Me?

I'm more demanding and critical; my pillow has to be this high; my food balanced in such a way...

Did I know this about him before I married him? No. I was just thankful I didn't have to impress this man. Yes, he fell in love with me in a casual way, before we had any dates, before we did anything more special than sit at the outdoor patio we shared at the apartment house where we both resided and talked about Bob Dylan's lyrics, Sartre's philosophy...


I did notice that he was not stylish, at a time when I was quite careful with my own image, allotting way more than I could afford to my attire. He wore heavy-framed glasses that made him look nerdy, and white socks that made him look like a hick.  You see, I grew up in a family that cared how we were perceived in public, that worked hard at the image we were presenting. My big brother was in the fashion business, ended up working in the great house of Valentino, and here I was talking to a man whose fashion sense was to grab whatever was clean for the day.

We married six months after we met.
Forty-seven years later, we are truly thankful for the gift of friendship and love that supported us through many storms.    


23 comments:

ellen abbott said...

it's good when you mate is your best friend as well.

Unknown said...

How wonderful to have sustained your relationship for so many years. Congratulations; it's no small feat today!

Velva said...

Beautiful. This is a real love story.

yaya said...

I can see that a marriage based on true love sure beats one based on good fashion sense! I'm thinking maybe the Kardashians could learn a few tips from you! Congrats on having such a wonderful man in your life and for all those great years! We'll celebrate 40yrs next year!

Rian said...

I think 'being thankful' is a forgotten art. Too many people are more into 'expectations' and 'entitlement'. We should all be more thankful for the little things that make our heart smile.

Brian Miller said...

friendship is the foundation of lasting relationships...glad you saw past his image...and def like his thankfulness...i think we would get along he and i..ha...congrats on your longevity together...

joeh said...

It is crazy to marry after only knowing someone for 6 months, your marriage will probably never work!

Rob-bear said...

That is truly delightful Rosaria. I'm so glad the two of you are together, despite the difference in your idiosyncrasies! Wonderful!

Blessings ands Bear hugs!

Journeyin' Lady... said...

True example of "opposites attract" and it works!

decomondo said...

I think that you both have found a rare gem. Congratulations!

Perpetua said...

Such a tender post, Rosaria. Very touching. Yes, we who have been fortunate in our long-term partnerships are truly blessed.

Rachel Cotterill said...

That's such a lovely story. I guess you've both learnt a lot from one another over the intervening years :)

Tom said...

You're either very lucky or very perceptive ... or both. And it seems as though you have a strain of thankfulness in your makeup as well!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. what a great post for a loving and lovely husband by the sound of it .. 47 years - congratulations .. and here's to many more ...

Cheers Hilary

Amanda Summer said...

This is so beautiful. The love and sense of comfort that exists between you two is palpable from reading your words. Forty seven years later, you have a lot to be grateful for - and proud of. xo

Tabor said...

Not only do opposites attract, they also make a good marriage.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

What a beautiful tribute to a very special man! The strong foundation of friendship underlying your marriage is a great blessing that allows you to be so different from each other but yet thrive together. Congratulations to you both!

rjerdee said...

A truly wonderful thing to be thankful for! You are a lucky girl!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Congrats on the 47 years. Enjoyed this piece. I think you and my husband are much alike. Me, more like your husband. I'm looking at my attire for the day - blue gym shorts and long-sleeved red workout shirt. I wonder if I combed my hair today? I wonder if anyone saw me on my walk today. Hope not.

Lydia said...

This post is a love letter and such a beautiful one. What a remarkable joining together of contrasts. I am in awe of your loving, long-lived marriage, and think it is rare indeed.

(And I am leaving still laughing at the comment written by joeh!)

Hilary said...

True love focuses on on the sameness you share and accepts the differences. Congrats on such a long, successful marriage.

Maggie May said...

Aw....... that's a lovely post.
It is good to know that you still get on as well as ever.
Wishing you many more years like that.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Sally Wessely said...

I loved reading this. I haven't followed this particular blog of yours for a very long time. I don't know why. I've really missed out. Congratulations on being so wise all those many years ago.