49 years of doing life with someone you love is something worth celebrating. But meanwhile, 70 years looks like a stranger I never thought I'd have to meet.
I listened to and read this post days ago but didn't have time to respond, so I am getting to that this morning! Happy 49th anniversary to you and Tim! May God bless the two of you with many more years together, and may He bless them to be healthy years! I could literally feel what you were feeling as you spoke such truth. I think of Mom and all she went through and Dad and all he went through, except the Lord called him home at age 65, so he never experienced aging past that. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the exact same trepidation and concerns as I walk through health struggles and the aging process. I deeply appreciate you, your honesty and transparency, and the refreshment to my soul that you always bring. May God bless you richly today. I can't believe you will be 70 this year. What a smilestone! I pray we can all celebrate it here on Grace & Space together in good health and sound mind. Please, dear Lord.
Good morning, friend. 'Trepidation and concerns' is a tidy way of putting our hard experiences into words. It always blesses me when the unpleasant pieces of my story turn out to encourage someone else. It lets us all know we're not alone and reminds us again how much God cares for us, especially during those difficult, challenging seasons.
Let's keep on keeping each other company as we move forward. Your encouragement motivates me in this writing labor of love.
Congratulations on 49 years of marriage - I understood and felt each word you wrote - nothing in life is really the "fairy tale" that childhood dreams are made of - rather it is work and commitment, and a growing in love that cannot be experienced any other way than years of it! I can only imagine how your mother's difficult death really traumatized you, and it is true, we do begin to wonder as we approach their age, how will it be for us. Thankfully, none of us know the answer, but we do know Jesus, and that brings peace. Always appreciate your insightful writing!
Hi Linda, our stories match up so much, at least regarding meeting husbands and years of marriage. I turned 70 this last February and I was actually very excited and ready to hit that mark. I am tired of fighting the word “old” and desire to embrace it now and explore the freedom of not caring so much.
But, the difference in our stories is your painful memory of your mom and how her old age hurt your heart. I am so sorry that she suffered. I hope that in writing your heart out for us to see, that it gave you some peace about the future. I am a new subscriber and I look forward to reading more of your lovely words.
Your enthusiasm is contagious and encouraging, Susie. You're good medicine for me!
And yes, I've found to be writing a terrific help during seasons of lament. Going there In the company of encouraging and empathetic souls has been so helpful. Being heard and validated by those who've been there, done that makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it.
This is such a beautiful piece, Linda! I’m moved by your reflections on your marriage (congratulations on your 49th anniversary!!) and so encouraged by your thoughts on aging. And my biggest takeaway here? “All shall be well” … so fundamentally good to hold on to!
This is just beautiful, and I appreciate it so much. You and I are standing in identical spots in our life path. My husband and I will have 49 years in May, we met at age 16 sharing a piano bench as duet partners,and were married by age 20.
I carry St Julian’s words with me too. I have, by all accounts, led a charmed life. I want to leave the world a better place than it is right now for my son and my grandson.
I just keep doing what I can in my small ways to put kindness, care, thoughtfulness, and beauty into the world.
I do love your last line, Becca. In a world where so much is out of our control these are choices and actions we can do each day. I'm so glad to meet you this weekend, Becca. Welcome!
Happy 49th Anniversary, Linda! That is amazing and a feat worth celebrating. 70 will look as beautiful on you as 69 does, my friend. (And I didn't realize you share a birthday with my older sister! She will be 65 on August 27.)
So beautifully written, Linda. Congratulations on 49 years! 🥳🎉 Your unwavering trust in God, your acceptance of His will and your receiving of His peace is incredibly inspiring. ❤️
Wait! YOU are turning 70? I thought you were in your 40's. Well no wonder you have such wisdom. Enjoyed this read
My 40's! I think I love you, girl!
I hear your heart Linda. So beautifully spoken and tenderhearted.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend.
xo
Paula, thank you. Enjoy the weekend.
Congratulations on your 49th wedding anniversary!
Margie, thank you!
I want to grow older as wise and gracefully as you! 🤍 You paint a realistic but encouraging portrait of aging “gratefully.”
Oh Cathy, I'm just figuring this out one step at a time. And grateful that I'm not doing this in my own energy. Only God!
This was so meaningful, Linda. Thank you for sharing from your heart. Great job…and I loved hearing you share in your own voice. Powerful words here.
Susan, you are an encourager! It's a joy to do the Substack life with you ...
I listened to and read this post days ago but didn't have time to respond, so I am getting to that this morning! Happy 49th anniversary to you and Tim! May God bless the two of you with many more years together, and may He bless them to be healthy years! I could literally feel what you were feeling as you spoke such truth. I think of Mom and all she went through and Dad and all he went through, except the Lord called him home at age 65, so he never experienced aging past that. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the exact same trepidation and concerns as I walk through health struggles and the aging process. I deeply appreciate you, your honesty and transparency, and the refreshment to my soul that you always bring. May God bless you richly today. I can't believe you will be 70 this year. What a smilestone! I pray we can all celebrate it here on Grace & Space together in good health and sound mind. Please, dear Lord.
Good morning, friend. 'Trepidation and concerns' is a tidy way of putting our hard experiences into words. It always blesses me when the unpleasant pieces of my story turn out to encourage someone else. It lets us all know we're not alone and reminds us again how much God cares for us, especially during those difficult, challenging seasons.
Let's keep on keeping each other company as we move forward. Your encouragement motivates me in this writing labor of love.
Happy 49th Anniversary! May the Lord continue to bless you, your marriage, and your growing family!
Lisa, thank you!
Congratulations on 49 years of marriage - I understood and felt each word you wrote - nothing in life is really the "fairy tale" that childhood dreams are made of - rather it is work and commitment, and a growing in love that cannot be experienced any other way than years of it! I can only imagine how your mother's difficult death really traumatized you, and it is true, we do begin to wonder as we approach their age, how will it be for us. Thankfully, none of us know the answer, but we do know Jesus, and that brings peace. Always appreciate your insightful writing!
You're right, Marilyn. Marital fairy tales should be banished!
Light and dark, horizon, sky,
green soft earth and airy blue,
but this goes on and I will die
if I can't figure what to do.
Wife is watching from afar,
she needs to move ahead,
not letting my death be a scar...
is it better that I'm dead?
I think that no, well, maybe not,
I am not finished here,
and maybe God went and forgot
the honour I hold dear,
and when the angels come for me,
they'll all need trauma surgery.
Thinking of Barb especially this morning as you guys continue to walk through the ups and downs ...
Barb was sick over the weekend, and really couldn't cope. I HAVE to manufacture ways to survive, every day.
Please give her my love.
I will. Puking lots of blood today, but I'm nothing if not colourful!
I'm sorry.
It doesn't end here.
wow Linda! This is such a great post. Your descriptions of a long marriage are so perfect and true. I love your honesty.
I've heard one or two people that said they never had an argument with their spouses. I don't believe them ...
Happy Anniversary. I have a special place in my heart for women in their 70’s—one of my best friends is turning 73 tomorrow. 🧡
Well, that makes me smile. I bet she carries with her a broad wisdom and a wicked sense of humor, right?!
Oh yes! She is wonderful as I imagine you are.🧡
Hi Linda, our stories match up so much, at least regarding meeting husbands and years of marriage. I turned 70 this last February and I was actually very excited and ready to hit that mark. I am tired of fighting the word “old” and desire to embrace it now and explore the freedom of not caring so much.
But, the difference in our stories is your painful memory of your mom and how her old age hurt your heart. I am so sorry that she suffered. I hope that in writing your heart out for us to see, that it gave you some peace about the future. I am a new subscriber and I look forward to reading more of your lovely words.
Your enthusiasm is contagious and encouraging, Susie. You're good medicine for me!
And yes, I've found to be writing a terrific help during seasons of lament. Going there In the company of encouraging and empathetic souls has been so helpful. Being heard and validated by those who've been there, done that makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it.
Welcome. I'm glad you're here with us.
This is such a beautiful piece, Linda! I’m moved by your reflections on your marriage (congratulations on your 49th anniversary!!) and so encouraged by your thoughts on aging. And my biggest takeaway here? “All shall be well” … so fundamentally good to hold on to!
Lauren, those 4 simple words can be such an an attitude changer, can't they. Now ... to live them out!
This is just beautiful, and I appreciate it so much. You and I are standing in identical spots in our life path. My husband and I will have 49 years in May, we met at age 16 sharing a piano bench as duet partners,and were married by age 20.
I carry St Julian’s words with me too. I have, by all accounts, led a charmed life. I want to leave the world a better place than it is right now for my son and my grandson.
I just keep doing what I can in my small ways to put kindness, care, thoughtfulness, and beauty into the world.
Kindred spirits, yes ...
I do love your last line, Becca. In a world where so much is out of our control these are choices and actions we can do each day. I'm so glad to meet you this weekend, Becca. Welcome!
Happy 49th Anniversary, Linda! That is amazing and a feat worth celebrating. 70 will look as beautiful on you as 69 does, my friend. (And I didn't realize you share a birthday with my older sister! She will be 65 on August 27.)
I've got an idea ... how 'bout we switch and she turns 70 and I get to be 65 again!
So beautifully written, Linda. Congratulations on 49 years! 🥳🎉 Your unwavering trust in God, your acceptance of His will and your receiving of His peace is incredibly inspiring. ❤️
Trust me, I've been a slow learner ...