Anniversaries

The beginning of January Johan and I were married 34 years which as so many people are quick to point out is an achievement by today's standards.  

In the back of my mind there has been one couple who played a pivotal role in my life that I think I based my married life on....that is the life of my maternal grandparents.   I remember my gran being loving and caring and kind to everyone she knew, whether they were family, friends or neighbours.  As my gran she took me under her wing and taught me so many things about life.  When teaching me to knit she taught me perseverance.....she could see with each row I knitted that I was getting closer to finishing the article I was knitting.  When discussing the cost of a beautiful doll I had seen and dearly wanted, she taught me about the value of money and shared her wisdom on what mattered in life.  When watching her cook in the kitchen she showed me how to stretch a meal for one more unexpected mouth and shared cooking tips that I still remember.  When chatting to neighbours across the back garden fence, or passing every day greetings to those we walked past in the street, she taught me that friendships are important.  My granddad was quiet and softly spoken.  He saw more than he let on and he never judged anyone.  He showed me that hard work and working at something you enjoy has it's rewards.  When giving me sixpence pocket money once a month he taught me how to budget and save for something I really wanted.  Above all they both taught me that marriage was worth it for the long haul.

34 years has been hard work but I wouldn't want to have gone through all that we have done, with anyone else.  I hope that one day I may have grandchildren who will look to us as I did to mine.  Here's to another 34 years and counting....