Wedding Bells

(click for mood music as you read)

Yes, friends, wedding bells are ringing for our clan. My hubby's mom has decided, after ten years of widowhood, to remarry. She's 75; he's 77.

Each was married for decades. Does that mean that they'll avoid the pitfalls of newlywed-dom? Will they argue over picking up shoes or who gets to use the shower first? Or will they treasure each moment as a second chance to do it right, without fear or worries of what others will think?

I think it takes tons of courage to marry again late in life. It takes being deliberately vulnerable to another person (when you've spent years building up your independence), and it takes courage to face another inevitable loss when one spouse dies. It takes lots of compromise from people who are "set in their ways".

And, yet, the JOY! On the face, in the step, in the ready laugh and sparkling eye ... wow, wouldn't we all want to have that first blush of love again? The enthusiasm for another person, the future to plan ... these things are as much a part of love at 75 as they are at 25.

I wish them God's blessings for each day they have together.