Forty four years ago this weekend Pauline and I tied the marital knot. This shot was taken outside the parish church in the village of Newburgh in South West Lancashire.
The village of New Burgh was "new" 600 years ago and during that period a lot of people have entered into married life in the parish church and a lot of people have ended in the grave yard that surrounds it. Two of them happen to Pauline's parents who are lying in repose in a common grave just a few meters from where we are standing.Part of the secret of longevity in marriage is given in those grand old marriage vows:
"For better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part."
Pauline's parents came from a generation that believed in the solemnity of those vows. They do not represent a contract nor do they represent a commitment. They frame a covenant which is the deepest and most sacred engagement into which two human beings can enter.
Forty four years ago when I said "I do", I DID. and so did Pauline.
Along with other reasons the secret of a long and happy marriage is two people keeping their word to each other.
What may I ask is wrong with that?
Jubilate.
Ian
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