Adam and Eve didn’t have the benefit of therapists, an older wiser uncle, to seek wisdom from, even a hairstylist to vent to. So how did they handle the stress that inevitably comes with the union of two souls in love?
They had high hopes for the future. Each knew the other didn’t come with baggage, as they were indeed each other’s first. So no jealousy, no mother/father in laws to deal with.
But temptation did raise its ugly head. There are so many interpretations regarding the serpent and the forbidden fruit. Ultimately, Adam did partake of it. And there were consequences. God gave them CHOICE, the same thing we have to face everyday.
Larry and I are about to celebrate our 45th anniversary. We have been together for 47 years. That’s a very long time.
I remember meeting him on a blind date. He had just returned from York University completing his Masters in Geography. He was older, but I was very used to being around older guys as my three brothers were years ahead of me. I was watching the Watergate hearings in grade 4. So the age difference meant nothing.
And when I first saw him and spent 4 hours at coffee at Basil’s, I left feeling I’d know this guy my entire life. My instincts were that strong!
It has been filled with a variety of emotions ranging from exhilaration, deep love, surprises, disappointment, anger and resentment, and forgiveness, yet we are still together, because ultimately we are best friends.
The challenges have been monumental.
We have lived through life cycles. The birth of our two incredible children has to be one of the highest moments that truly bonded us. We produced two human beings, no small feat.
Every birthday, graduation, dance festivals, ballgames, engagements and weddings, we were there.
We have cared for our elder parents and buried them too.
Larry became a type 1 diabetic right after we married. At the same time, his mom had a brain aneurysm and we juggled several balls in the air. It was a tricky time to navigate.
Maneuvering through autoimmune diseases and the tsunami of menopause, can be a real litmus test for anyone.
Planning family holidays and getting excited that we’d all be together, exploring new places was very special.
Embracing our one grandchild has brought such joy to our lives. She brings inexplainable happiness to this family.
Larry has travelled this country from west to east coast, so many times, I’ve lost count. Often, I was like a single parent. That was hard.
And when he wanted to start his own company, that too, brought many challenges and successes. Larry watched me help manage and contribute to his pipe dream.
These past two years when I endured a life and death health crisis, Larry was there for me. I saw dedication unmatched to any struggle.
We are seeing many silver divorces lately. It takes hard work, honesty , integrity and true love. Some were never meant to be. Time can reveal characteristics that one may have missed initially.
Relationships need to be fluid. You have to roll with the punches as they present themselves.
I’d say I can finish the end of Larry’s sentences and that’s no small feat as he’s more the strong SILENT type.
Choices, so many decisions that can alter the trajectory of one’s life. A couple is inundated with multiple paths during the course of their relationship. That started in the Garden of Eden.
You enter the union, expecting certain things. As you each evolve, there is a learning curve. It is not always easy.
We have encountered “bad apples” in our time together. But we know who they really are to the “core”.
Larry nor I are perfect and we have learned much about one another over nearly five decades.
Many couples learn from mistakes, challenge each other and make one another a priority.
For me, Larry will always be the “apple of my eye “!
Happy Anniversary Mr. Sarbit.
__________________
Larry’s love poem to Harriet:
Some have tried, lied, connived and even denied.
But no one can separate Harriet and me.
She is my one and only LOVE.
I HAVE LOVED YOU FROM THE DAY I FIRST LAID EYES ON YOU.
LARRY
