Chivalry

Yesterday, at one of my mom's groups, the featured speakers were a panel of married couples who had stood the test of time. Three couples, all married for over fifty years, were there to share insight, stories, and reflections. I could go on and on with all the sweet stories they told and the inspiration they gave me by hearing of their humble beginnings, hard work and triumphs, but instead I'll share one moment that touched me especially. 

One husband was answering a question about the process of growing together as a couple. Going off on a tangent he began talking about other men and the treatment of their wives. "I get very upset when I hear husbands call their wives 'My Old Lady' or other names that are insulting," he said, "When I hear a man refer to his wife that way I can't help but thinking much less of him. I could never talk about my wife that way. She's my wife, but she's so much more, she's my companion, my partner, my helper." 

Then, choking back tears he said, "She's my bride, she's beautiful. She's my friend." 

After raising their children and admittedly going through highs and lows, successes and failures, how beautiful to see that through it all these couples continued their discovery of each other and have loved each other through it all. What an example to admire.