Sixty Years and Counting

By Sharon Craig of Granite Falls

Recently, I was in the hospital and a wonderful nurse asked me how my husband and I had achieved such a long-lasting marriage (60 years and counting).

The quick response was not to end your day in anger. Don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry. My wise daughter says sometimes it’s better to be kind rather than right. Don’t let false pride keep you from apologizing when it’s needed.

Our wedding day, 60 years ago. Contributed photo

When I think back over our years together, I realize how right my husband was when he said, “We can either look for the good or the bad in people or situations in our lives.”

Treasure each day! We never know when we will be parted forever. Don’t ever get over saying thank you and please. It’s nice to say, “I’m glad you were born,” to those we love. It gives such a warm, loved, and needed feeling... words really do matter.

Show your pride in each other. Let your spouse hear you say, “You look great today,” or “I’m proud of you being who you are.”

Laughing every day together. Don’t let the troubles of the day become so important you forget to laugh. My husband has a dry sense of humor and it has pulled us through many tough times... once again, focus on the good times.

When our son died, my husband told all of us not to ever be afraid to talk about Mike. He was a great person and we need to share that with everyone. It will validate his life. Even though we wanted him to ‘stay in the buggy,’ God knew he had fulfilled his mission here on earth and rightly called him home. So, yes indeed, words do matter! Remember, it helps with the bumps in life to be kind rather than right all the time.