Tuesday, April 19, 2011

On Being....Happily Married






Sometimes it's easy to believe that there's no happy ending stories left to share but I've witnessed the love between my twin sister and my brother in law and they are a true inspiration. They've celebrate 26 years of marriage and still can say that they are the best of friends.

1) At what moment did you know that he/she was the one that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?

Syrone- We were just freshmen in high school when Michael and I first met. Within a few days, he gave me a note to that basically said that he liked me, and wanted to know if I would go with him. I thought he was a bit goofy, but after a few late night phone conversations, I agreed to “go with him.” During one of our long conversations, he started talking about how one day we would get married and have kids… I thought he was nuts since we were only 14 years old. We eventually broke up but ended up bumping into each other several years after graduation. I was shocked to see that my little, geeky high school boyfriend had become quite a handsome young man. (I literally felt butterflies as we talked.). He called me the next day, and asked me out. Within a few months we were engaged and finally married. He was right all along.

Michael- It had to be about halfway through our freshmen year in high school. It was kind of interesting because I really hadn’t kissed her yet but I told her that she was going to marry me. I just knew it was going to happen one day. The funny thing is that I was always able to tell the twins apart. I knew Syrone was the one I was going to marry.

2) During the wedding ceremony, Michael, a memory that stays etched in my mind is you crying as you walked down the aisle as husband and wife. What were the tears for?

Michael- They were tears of joy because I never thought the day would actually come. I was feeling overjoyed and overwhelmed at the same time. It was surreal.

3) What has been the toughest challenge in your marriage?

Syrone- The most difficult challenge has been uniting our differences. Michael is spontaneous and pretty impulsive while I like to take a little time to think things through. Through the years we’ve managed to find a good balance which keeps things more interesting.

Michael- In certain aspects my wife and I are different but it’s those differences that make our marriage special. We kind of balance each other out.

4) Do you think sharing things together is just as important as having time spent apart? If so, what are the things you look forward to together? What is your favorite alone time thing to do?

Syrone- I think a big factor in our relationship is recognizing that there are times that we enjoy being together whether it be tooling around for yard sales, wine tasting or just taking in a jazz concert, but there are also times when we need time to ourselves. It gives us a chance to refuel. Whenever we spend any time a part, I can’t wait to see him.

Michael- I think every couple needs to spend time together because that’s how you grow. I love the simple things that I do with my wife like wine tasting, taking the dogs for walks, or even more than that, just sitting down together and watching TV. I believe it’s true that the heart grows fonder when you’ve been away from the one you love for a short while.

5) How do you argue and then find your way back afterwards?

Syrone- We don’t necessarily argue, but there are times that we disagree. Usually, he and I will take a little time to step away from the situation to think things through. After awhile, we’re both ready to sit and calmly discuss things. Once it’s resolved, it’s over. It’s all about forgiveness and squelching stubborn pride..

Michael- We don’t actually argue. It’s kind of like we both take a position and fight for it. In the end we remember what brought us together in the first place. It gives a whole new perspective on things..

6) Syrone describes your marriage as her being Lucy and you being Ricky, Michael. Is that the perfect analogy or do you find that you resemble another couple?

Michael- I don’t know about that but I can honestly say that I’m totally crazy for Syrone and the adventures we share together..

7) How important is romance in your relationship?

Syrone- It’s very important. Sometimes just being together, or watching a movie can be romantic. It’s how we use each moment that we’re given to connect with each other in a more intimate way. Michael is wonderful about bringing me flowers and buying my favorite candy but I also appreciate the quick text messages that he sends telling me that he misses me.

Michael- Hello?? I’m a man. It’s obviously pretty important.



8) What is one moment that stands out in your relationship more than any other memories?

Syrone- Wow, that’s a hard one. I remember when he first proposed to me. I remember the tears in his eyes, and how he got down on one knee. I also remember the look in his eyes as I walked towards him on our wedding day, or when he found out he was going to be a daddy for the first time. Those memories are priceless.

Michael- One that stands out to me was on our 5th wedding anniversary when my wife surprised me with a cruise. She took the time to plan, organize and even managed to get me off on vacation. It was a huge surprise and a wonderful vacation.

9) What advice would you give to newlyweds who are just starting their lives together?

Syrone- Pick and choose your battles. When we first got married we had to adjust and adapt to being a couple. We fought over petty things back then, but through the years we’ve learned not to stress out over small things. We cherish each day and view each moment together as a precious gift from God.

Michael- Cherish the simple things. Cherish your time together and don’t worry so much about “stuff” because love will produce greater things than stuff could ever provide.

10) If you could leave your mark on the world by doing something together, what would that be?

Syrone- I’m not sure but we’re both open to whatever God has in store for us. Every day with Michael is special and adventurous. I hope we leave a good impression wherever we go.

Michael- I kind of think we have left our mark on the world with our children…raising them to be happy, loving, God-fearing, responsible adults is our legacy.

17 comments:

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

How absolutely lovely for them to answer these questions for you, Simone! And I adore the recent photo of them.

My husband and I have been together for 24 years. He is 15 years older than me...and very tolerant of my idiosyncrasies. :)

Stacy said...

What a lovely couple...inside and out!

Mari said...

What a great post! I loved reading both of their answers and the pictures were great!

Brian Miller said...

this is awesome...thank you for sharing this and happy anniversary to them...this is def good stuff more should read...

Unknown said...

Big Daddy and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary next week.
I feel so blessed to have married him.
We have so much fun together. And we haven't supported each other.
When people ask me if I like being married I always say "Yes, I love being married to Big Daddy"!
Happy Anniversary!

Debbie said...

What a great couple and an inspiration! I wish them 26 more years!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a fabulous post sweetie. I so loved that you had both answer your questions and those pictures just topped it off!

Just inspirational!!!

God bless and have a glorious day!

BTW: Happy Easter Giveaway, my place, ya'll come!!! :o)

magdaayuk said...

They are beautiful together. I'm happy for them:)

Helene said...

They seem like such a sweet couple!! Congratulations to them on 25 years of marriage...it seems like a lifetime away for me!!!!

Sandra said...

Wow...great idea to feature this fabulous couple. But their answers to the questions were so honest. And yes, I'm left feeling a wee bit jealous because as I read blogs, my husband is watching hockey, and won't be available until till over in June!

Unknown said...

I love to read about marriages such as this. Beautiful post Simone. Thank you for sharing.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Just wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Easter

Teresa

ChilledLeo said...

It's great to see that a couple can still find the essence of love and happiness in marriage after so many years in union..

Unknown said...

lovely...

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I love their answers about the differences, so true but we do not realize it til many years down the road....

MissKris said...

That is a lovely current photo of your sister and brother-in-law. We're almost 37 years down the line together...sometimes it seems like we've been together forever, sometimes like only yesterday. He was and is still my best friend. Love the man to pieces!

Leslie said...

What an amazing interview and an even more amazing couple. With so many marriages not making it passed the first few years, it's always refreshing to read about a successful one!

 

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