Relationships have come a long way since the 1950s. We’ve lost the sort of love you can only seem to find in our grandparents, and we’ve accepted the type of love that begins over a computer screen. Our generation has become more prone to divorce and we wonder how its possible some have lasted over 60 years. We think that the perfect man is the one who strives to be rich instead of the one who holds open the door.
For those reasons, I don’t idolize celebrity marriages — I idolize my grandparents' marriage. I admire the type of man my grandpa has been all these years. I love how he always takes out the trash, shovels the snow-packed driveway and keeps up with my grandma's garden out back when she can’t. I love his infectious smile and how I’ve never heard him raise his voice. And one day, I can only hope that my husband has some of his qualities:
1. I hope you have a kind heart.
I’d like to think that one day you will be quick to donate and slow to judge. I hope that you have a love for the world and all of the people in it. And I hope you treat people with kindness no matter who they may be.
2. I hope you have a love for the Lord that is unwavering.
I hope that you’ll push me to go to church on Sunday and that I’ll do the same. I hope that you’ll lead grace at the dinner table and that you have a relationship with the Lord that is strong and graceful.
3. I hope you have patience.
I know I like some things my way but I hope you’ll have patience with me. Whether or not my way is the right way I hope that you’ll love me through my decisions.
4. I hope that you’ll listen to my stories, even when I’ve told them more than once.
Even if I’ve told this story during multiple dinners, I hope that you’ll listen anyway and laugh at my same jokes.
5. I hope that you are chivalrous to everyone you meet.
I hope you’re the type of man who goes to a restaurant and holds the door open for the next three families. I hope that you’ll over-tip the waitress because you know she’s a working college student. And I hope you treat everyone you meet with the same respect.
6. I hope that when I’m old, you’ll hold my hand to get me through a crowd.
I might be slow when I walk but with you by side, we can get through any crowd.
7. I hope that one day you’ll want to build bookshelves for our grandchildren.
And that you’ll like doing it.
8. I hope that when I’m in my 70s you’ll update me on the latest technology.
Sometimes technology is confusing so I’ll be looking to you to help me.
9. I hope you are honorable with your job and your family.
I hope that you work hard in life and that your family is your motivation. I hope that you don’t come home upset, even when the day at work was upsetting.
10. I hope you don’t mind setting up my elaborate Christmas decorations.
Christmas is my favorite holiday so get ready for decorations, lights and constant baking.
11. I hope you support me.
I hope that my goals are your goals and that your goals are my goals. I hope you support me in my next project and support me in everything I wish to accomplish because I’ll support you too.
