The News Reporter

By WALLYCE TODD

Yesterday, my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. As far as I know, they didn’t do anything particularly special to commemorate the day. But today is Monday and, in our family, that’s a whole different day.

You see, for more than 30 of those married years, my parents have had a “date night” every Monday. I personally believe those weekly times together have been one of the most important ingredients in the success of their marriage.

When their four children were old enough to be left on their own, Lionel and Rita Todd began dedicating Mondays to the pursuit of picnics at the lake, the enjoyment of entertaining each other with walks on the beach, or the selection of spots where they could talk and share a little romance.

My siblings and I knew that only those events that were of extreme importance and could not be rearranged or rescheduled would be allowed to interfere with “Mom and Dad’s time.”
I am a child who has been blessed immeasurably by the security that came from parents who are sticking together “through thick and thin.” As such, I have become a staunch advocate of spouses ensuring they have “together time” on a regular basis.

From what I can see, many families that experience the heartache of divorce have at their head two adults who have lost touch with each other and/or can no longer find common ground in which to continue their commitment.

Having also seen examples of the complexities of divorce, I know there are many reasons couples split - but I honestly have to admit that I think my parents have experienced a lot of those challenges, and yet they’re still together after all these years.

Economic hardship, yep, they’ve been there. Children with struggles, yes, they’ve had those. Irritation with each other, no, of course not - that’s never happened - ha! My parents are paragons of perfection, really...

No, my parents aren’t perfect, but they do serve the One who is, and I think that’s THE most important ingredient in their marriage’s longevity.

But somewhere close after that ingredient is their weekly “date night.” In those times, they talk, walk, laugh and love...rediscovering all the reasons God brought them together in the first place.

Because I believe Mom and Dad’s marriage has many aspects I’d want to emulate, if I ever say “I do” - methinks the wedding vows will also include: “We’ll date.”


		An example to emulate: 45 years strong By WALLYCE TODD Yesterday, my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. As far as I know, they didn’t do anything particularly special to commemorate the day. But today is Monday and, in our family, that’s a whole different day. You see, for more than 30 of those married years, my parents have had a “date night” every Monday. I personally believe those weekly times together have been one of the most important ingredients in the success of their marriage. When their four children were old enough to be left on their own, Lionel and Rita Todd began dedicating Mondays to the pursuit of picnics at the lake, the enjoyment of entertaining each other with walks on the beach, or the selection of spots where they could talk and share a little romance. My siblings and I knew that only those events that were of extreme importance and could not be rearranged or rescheduled would be allowed to interfere with “Mom and Dad’s time.” I am a child who has been blessed immeasurably by the security that came from parents who are sticking together “through thick and thin.” As such, I have become a staunch advocate of spouses ensuring they have “together time” on a regular basis. From what I can see, many families that experience the heartache of divorce have at their head two adults who have lost touch with each other and/or can no longer find common ground in which to continue their commitment. Having also seen examples of the complexities of divorce, I know there are many reasons couples split - but I honestly have to admit that I think my parents have experienced a lot of those challenges, and yet they’re still together after all these years. Economic hardship, yep, they’ve been there. Children with struggles, yes, they’ve had those. Irritation with each other, no, of course not - that’s never happened - ha! My parents are paragons of perfection, really... No, my parents aren’t perfect, but they do serve the One who is, and I think that’s THE most important ingredient in their marriage’s longevity. But somewhere close after that ingredient is their weekly “date night.” In those times, they talk, walk, laugh and love...rediscovering all the reasons God brought them together in the first place. Because I believe Mom and Dad’s marriage has many aspects I’d want to emulate, if I ever say “I do” - methinks the wedding vows will also include: “We’ll date.”


				Wallyce Todd

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