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.