DOES MARRIED LIFE TREAT COUPLES WELL?

August is turning out to be a busy month. On my birthday  I renewed my annual membership in "Club Eighty." Took an over night trip to Philadelphia to see the National Museum of American Jewish History and the Barnes Art Museum and in Florida, I watched my brother and his wife renew wedding vows taken fifty years ago.

As my brother and his wife came down the isle they made a handsome couple. He in tux with a flower in his lapel. She looking beautiful in a sheath. They were preceded by two granddaughters throwing rose petals. .  

In the audience were their three children and spouses, four grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins and old friends. At the piano was their oldest son crooning "their" song.

They received the blessings of the Rabbi as the cantor sang. They exchanged vows especially written by each for each other and then, in keeping with custom, my brother broke the traditional wine glass to remember those who were once forced from their homes to settle in lands across the globe.

Before us stood two people who had come together 50 years ago, not sure of the future to begin a life together.  Both needing to become familiar with each other, other families and different ways.  

He became a respected physician, recognized for his work with men, women and families, and as trusted friend to his siblings.  She worked with him in his practice and then in recent years became an artist in her own right. 

Through it all, there was time for children and grandchildren, for family, as favored uncle and aunt, and to pay attention to  the needs of aging parents.

It was not easy.  They laughed and shared moments of  grief and sorrow, and sometimes moments of exasperation with one another.  Together they learned to accept extended family quirks, habits and customs even as they began to create traditions of their own.

Their generosity, warmth and good humor extended to many in different ways as did their respect for each other's  feelings.

All this came to mind as I watched them renew their vows and as I participated in their extraordinary reception, dinner and weekend long series of events.

Yes, 50 years of married life has treated this couple well!