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It’s been almost four months since Marshal and I said our vows to one another on that beautiful Spring day. These past four months of wedded bliss have been exactly that: bliss. It’s been exciting and enlightening to see one another as husband and wife, as opposed to boyfriend and girlfriend, or even just fiancés. Being able to introduce each other with our “new names” makes us feel so much more established as a couple, like we are taken more seriously or regarded more highly in some respects.

We realize that it’s only been four months, though. We know that in the grand scheme of things, four months is mere child’s play when it comes to older couples who have been married for decades. We tend to get caught up in our newly wedded bliss, thinking we know everything there is to know about marriage. We like to think we’ve got a lot nailed down, and that we could handle anything that comes our way. Of course, having a positive outlook like this will surely help us when we do have trials and tribulations that will inevitably invade our relationship. But when I think about how I want our marriage to be, I look to the true models of marriage: our parents and grandparents.

I realized this when I was talking to my mom and dad last week, wishing them a happy 32nd anniversary. When I actually stopped to think about 32 years of marriage, I was completely blown away. Basking in our measly four months seemed premature, and taking time to recognize the work, love and commitment it takes to make it to 32 years is just awe-inspiring. Not to mention both sets of my grandparents, each almost making it to 60 years before one of them passed away.

For the moment, four months seems like a small feat on its own. And it allows us to take time to look forward to all that is to come throughout our marriage. We like being newlyweds right now, but are definitely taking notes from our parents and grandparents on what it takes to make a marriage as happy and long-lasting as possible.

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