“Love is a beautiful thing” goes the line of a popular song, and I totally agree.
True love (not lust or infatuation) is truly a beautiful thing and for me, nothing paints the picture of true love more than seeing an old couple holding hands and looking lovingly into each others eyes.
When I think of true love, I think about my folks -now my parents aren’t the type given to open displays of affection but you could feel the love in the air when they were together. Whenever they were apart for long stretches my dad (of blessed memory) was always irritable and vice versa. They were truly devoted to one another for the 30 years they were together. For their 31st anniversary, my sister and I decided to present them an album chronicling all their years together; pictures from when they first met, their wedding day, the birth of children, graduations and the births of their grandchildren. It made them so happy to be reminded of all the love they had shared over those years.
Nowadays, the word ‘love’ has been bastardised; you hear a Hollywood couple tell the whole world how much they are in love and a year later they are divorced.
Did I just say Hollywood?
The phenomenon of divorce has become rampant even here in Naija where you see a wedding on TV today and hear the couple are divorced a couple of years later.
I think one mistake a lot of people make is that they equate love to material things. Yes, I agree no one can love without giving, but people can give without loving. Just because some moneybag buys me a new car doesn’t mean he is more in love with me than the working class guy who buys me a box of pizza.
Another couple who inspire me are my parents-in-law. Just a few weeks ago they celebrated their 39th year together. I know a lot of Naija parents have been together for years but these two are truly in love. My M-I-L adores her husband and vice versa; while they were remembering all their past years my M-I-L made a comment about how she was so slim in those days and her husband smiled and said “don’t worry honey, you’re still slim in all the right places”. How sweet!
Later on that night he announced to everyone that he had a gift to present to his wife. We all waited expecting to see him present her with some jewellery or some other expensive gift (he had given her a Sequoia for her 60th), instead he gave her a single red rose. Very sweet!
Well, this is wishing all of you a love filled valentines day.
Beautiful post, Chioma. This is one of my favourite posts of yours. Abeg, stop by my blog and vote for your favourite ode… thanks.
Aww. How sweet.Beautiful piece. About a decade ago, my great uncle told me that he has been married for over 40 years. On my way home, I kept thinking “chei those people must have really loved each other o” ‘cos my great uncle’s wife is what I call “Margaret Thatcher”( a no nonsense woman). Sha Uncle is about 94 years old now and they’re still together. I would really love to live that long and still be with my hubby o.
waoh, 39 years? that is indeed a journey there. May God teach us how to love people and our spouses as we’re supposed. I pray you’ld celebrate 39 years of marriage with your husband and if God tarries even more years ahead.
Iyaeto & rinsola thanks for the lovely comments..God will grant us all our hearts desire’s AMen!
wow! that’s can i can muster rite now.
Having a happy marriage that spans decades is truly God-sent!
cheers to both of ur families. great examples for us newlyweds! 🙂
My sista, true love is a wonderful thing. I love talking to older couples that have been married for a long time and still cherish each other. It is just so inspiring and quite romantic. Thanks for sharing this post, let me give Husband a quick call and check in on him.
Kisses to Olanna!
Dear Chioma,
Congratulations on the arrival of your daughter. I have been a shadow guest of your sight for some time and enjoyed your thoughts on family and a life in general.
This piece however truly touched and inspired me. I think we have alot to learn from these two wonderful couples… i know i have. thanks for sharing their love stories.
Ayo Sasore (nee Ifenne)
simi-yep..wow!
solomomsydelle- true talk.. kisses to da boys.
Ayo- thanks for your lovely comments ..I have def. learnt alot from them..stay blessed
awww…how sweet and romantic. God pls bless this generation of ours with the type of patience, endurance & love that they all have o.
wow!
congrats on your new baby!
your parents and parent-in-laws have inspired me today…
it is possible!
These days its hard to find but
Genuine love and long successful marriages are possible.
Awww, too sweet. It’s good to hear that geniune love still exists.
Aww. me want that kinda luv. lol. Great post.
How so sweet! 39th anniversary! wow!
how very sweet….awwwww
That was such a thoughtful gift that you and your sister gave your parents. Wow, you have such great examples of what real love is all about. Wishing the same for you and your hubby!
Pls wish your parents a happy anniversary from all of us.
Ps: abeg help me ask ya papa. “She’s still slim in the right places” Which are the right places, biko? LOL!!
Great blog post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.