Keep on keeping on

     

     There is an adage that says, "True love endures." 

     I believe it, having recently enjoyed being a part of the celebration of the 70th wedding anniversary of my good friends, Norm and Mildred. 

     Considering the length of most marriages today, one might wonder at how such a legacy of love and caring could ever be. I believe, sharing those many long years together, is just what God intended marriage to be. 

     Perhaps, we have lost an understanding of what makes a true, loving relationship. If it is built on trust, loyalty, sacrifice and kindness, it becomes a self-less love that seeks the good of the other partner — a love causing each to want to protect the other from harm, always seeking to bring out their best. 

     No doubt, having to face many hardships not peculiar to their generation only, their well-chosen priorities and commitment to live by their values, got them through the hard times. If we're strong enough on the inside, we can better handle things on the outside, and find the power to persevere.  

     Within this generation that I now find myself, I see many of my aging friends still standing strong, caring on through varied adversities — failing health, memory fading, changes in living arrangements, and the passing of their friends. 
  

     Within their strong life, I see a mixture of faith, courage and deep convictions, still living by their values; an undaunting spirit of a generation that faced many hardships, yet was able to 'keep on keeping on.' Champions never give up.  

     Recently, we acknowledged the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War One (1914-1918). A song, written by a Scottish comedian and singer, Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950) in honour of his son's death in 1916, became the slogan of the World War One soldiers. It seems befitting for all my 'unsung heroes' as well.   

Keep Right On to the End of the Road    

Ev'ry road thro' life is a long, long road, fill'd with joys and sorrows too. 
As you journey on, how your heart will yearn, for the things most dear to you. 
With wealth and love 'tis so, but onward we must go! 
Keep right on to the end 0f the road, 
Keep right on to the end. 
Tho' the way be long, let your heart be strong, 
Keep right on round the bend. 
If you're tired and weary, still journey on, 'till you come to your happy abode, 
Where all you love you've been dreaming of will be there, at the end of the road.     

     "The road you walk may seem long, but remember, you do not walk alone."  

     "As you get older, your secrets are safe with your friends, because they can't remember them either."

— beulah