On my desk, I keep a photograph of my parents on their wedding day. It's a black and white shot. Neither of them are looking at the camera as they walk by arm in arm. My mother's smile reaches her eyes. My father stifles a smile with a knowing pout. In a single frame, I'm able to see myself in both their faces. I wish I could have been there if only to see their first dance.
They've been divorced over 22 years now. And believe me, it was for the best. But I still love that picture and every time I look at it, I can't help but smile. No matter if a marriage might end or last a lifetime, a photo like theirs always gives me hope. Because that's all newlyweds have don't they? Hope that their love is strong enough. Hope that they'll be able to carry each other through. That leap of faith that usually paralyzes me with fear of falling.
For now, I look at their photo one more time and smile. Here's hoping for all of us.
And even if their husband/wife relationship has ended, that intimacy created you and all of your siblings.
ReplyDeleteWorld War I totally sucked...but without it, we wouldn't have the League of Nations. The American Economy boomed. With so many women as part of the workforce, Women's Rights got more attention.
I've always loved that you can find good in everything.