Call me old fashioned....

I had started to write this post last night, but I was so tired I fell asleep at the wheel (or at least, at the computer). I guess that was a sign that I was running on fumes, so it was time to recharge the batteries, so to speak.

But I had been thinking about certain things a lot recently, and one of those things was the fact that we rarely see those couples that have been married 40, 50 even 60 years. That could be for a lot of factors (poor diet, congenital diseases, or just bad luck), but also because this world has become a place where it's easy to just say, "It's not working. I want out" and it's done.

I remember being at a restaurant last year where this elderly couple was celebrating either their 55th or 60th wedding anniversary. They were accompanied by their children and a few grandchildren as well. I guess what really stuck out at me was how happy the celebrating couple looked. I know that their voyage together wasn't always a smooth one; I'm sure there were probably some stormy seas, and who knows, maybe even a really bad storm (or two). But here they were, smiling and happy, because they weathered the storm together, and pulled it through. And I guess that's what made me a bit pensive, even (dare I say) a bit teary-eyed.

Why, you might ask? Well, asides from the fact that I am a romantic, and that's how we roll, I really believe in the idea of love. What is love? (I have to resist saying, "Baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more, but there, I said it anyway). Seriously, what is love? I am not going to sit here and claim that I have the answer, or even a clue as to what it is, but I guess to me love is what I had witnessed at that restaurant last year.

For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death should you both part.

Maybe these words are antiquated. Maybe it should say something like:

Richer, yes, poorer, no, unemployed and drinking beer all day, hell no! Death? I am definitely not waiting around for you!

At least, that's the mentality people seem to get once the going gets rough. And yes, the going will get rough. As Bon Jovi once said, life is not a bed of roses. (Did I just quote Bon Jovi?)

But for me, I really value those words. Being with someone for any long period of time, you eventually will get to know them on a very intimate basis. And if you do love someone, hopefully that love will flourish and survive. But unfortunately, often times once we hit that brick wall, the tendency is to want to find the easy way out.

So what is love? I really don't know how to explain it. I guess you either feel it or you don't...

TO BE CONTINUED>..