Loving Relationships

You know how it’s so easy to talk about “surface” issues with people; about the stuff that doesn’t really matter? Well, with my grandparents, Rollie and Doris, it’s the complete opposite. All throughout my life with them, I’ve had the pleasure of going deep and being ‘real’ during every single interaction. What a gift!

And what a thrill it has been for me to include Bill in on this joy and share life together as couples. The four of us have recently developed a little tradition a few nights each winter that we call our “Fireside Chats.” On these nights, Bill and I bring over dinner and enjoy a candlelight meal at the kitchen table with our two favorite elders, discussing the latest and sharing news about what’s happening in our lives.

Then we move downstairs for our ‘chat,’ where my grandpa has a semi-circle of four chairs set up around a roaring fire for us to begin.

Man, these two have the market cornered on sweetness, and if you need any supporting documentation or want to be inspired, just go here!

Master communicators

My grandparents both grew up in Scandinavian homes, where not much was ever shared Read more »

I’ve been following my joy around since the early 90’s, and his name happens to be Bill. We got married 15 years ago today! I remember the day before our wedding, he consoled me after I had a meltdown from being so overwhelmed. He then proceeded to iron my outfit for our rehearsal dinner and help me pack my suitcase for our honeymoon; two tasks which I couldn’t seem to do on my own. That day he picked me up when I fell, and as the years go by, life with Bill has only gotten sweeter.

After all the preparations were made and everything was set for our big day, Bill said, “Wait! We forgot something!” He continued to say that it might be helpful to have barf bags in the church pews because people might get sick from us being so cute together up on the altar. Good one! This young twenty-something dude was always thinking.

In our first apartment together, complete with hand-me-down mismatched furniture from gracious family members, we said that our marriage was like a “24-hour slumber party.” And 15 years later that couldn’t be more right-on, as we still can’t seem to get enough of each other.

Feeling grateful

And so this morning as I wave out the window to Bill as he drives away to work, my heart is full with gratitude. Watching him cruise down the road, I think to myself Read more »

Last night our small family got together and celebrated my sweet grandpa’s 88th birthday at a hotel restaurant. Bill and I were the first guests to arrive, and I jumped at the chance to pick the seat right next to the guest of honor. It felt special to share the space with this elder gentleman who I love so much.