Congratulations to Friends Together 25 Years (So Far)

I wrote this for friends whose 25th anniversary was on Tuesday, June 26. Their son coordinated tributes from those that were in their wedding. I think that was very nice.

Out of respect for their privacy, I've changed the names. There's nothing private in this, but it was written for them.

I can't believe 25 years have passed. My memory is fading, and it's becoming more difficult to recall important moments that should be as clear as yesterday. (Perhaps the price of forgetting some painful things is forgetting some good things too.)

There are few events in life more challenging, more prone to failure, or more rewarding, than getting - and staying - married. It sustains us through difficult times we would otherwise endure alone, it provides a safe and nurturing environment for the next generation to express our traits and convictions, and it gives us an audience for our stories while we still remember them.

And that is the most important function of marriage - for it is the family that turns memories into new human beings that carry on when we are gone, and carry with them the good things that were given us.

All our yesterdays are become tomorrows, lived by good people like [son] and [daughter] who have been equipped with fine examples like those [dad] and [mom] have set.

I am so very happy for you both on reaching 25 years together.

I hope we are all here 25 years from now to celebrate your 50th.

God bless you.

 

Started: 2012-06-23