I recently saw an article on this website, stating that my generation should stop getting engaged and married after just a couple of months together. And while I'm sure she had very good reason to write that article, it isn't always the case. Some relationships may fail due to not knowing your partner long enough prior to union, but some grow stronger in knowing that it is a constant learning experience with their partner.
The following is a rough (slightly embellished) retelling of the most respected love story I have ever had the pleasure of knowing:
The year was 1987. The setting was Memphis, Tennessee. A young woman, Patty, with blonde flowing hair and blue eyes, sat at work, chatting with her friend. As any two 21-year-old women do when bored, they began to talk about boys. The young woman began to tell her friend that she had been out of the relationship game for a while and feared that she would never find the right man. She'd dated a couple guys, but that she had never felt that instant attraction before. She had been following her parents around the country her whole life, as a pastor's kid, and felt like it would never end. She wanted that life-changing relationship but was tired of dealing with guys who weren't ready.
Across the street was the Marine Base. Inside that base was a young man, Todd, with green eyes and a crew cut. He had been on a relationship break lately. After an ugly ending to a pretty serious high school relationship, he had turned into a little bit of a ladies man. But that life was starting to get old. He was ready for a relationship that was more substantial, but he didn't have the energy to find the right girl.
As December crept up, Patty started getting a little antsy. She had a company holiday party coming up, and she was supposed to bring a date. The only problem? She had no one that could go with her. Even her best guy friend had plans for that night already. Her work friend said that she could try and find Patty a date. Her boyfriend was a Marine, and he had tons of single friends. "I'll tell him to talk to Todd. He's really sweet. You would have fun with him!"
December 2nd, the day of the holiday party. Todd was going to meet Patty there. She had no idea what he looked like. She was pretty nervous, but at least she had a date for the party. When she arrived, she saw a young guy, about the same age as her, sitting with her friend and boyfriend. That must be Todd. She thought. I can't kiss him. I can't fall for him... He has a big nose.
Long story short, they had a great time that night. And the next. And the next. For 16 days, they were inseparable. If Todd could leave the base, and Patty wasn't working, they were together. Dinner at her parents' house, rides around downtown Memphis and walks in the park. Being together was as exhilarating as it was comfortable. They were home. So one night, (December 18th to be exact) Todd and Patty agreed on something very simple. This was it. They were going to get married.
Less than four short months later, they were married. Happy, healthy, and very much so in love.
My parents, Todd and Patty have been married a little over 30 years. They have gone through a deployment, the birth of two children, the love of all three children, career changes, schooling, the death of a parent, sickness, and three beautiful grandsons. They have been the poster child for working on your marriage. They have shown me that you don't throw away a marriage over a fight, you have to learn from your mistakes and choose to love your partner. And now, over 30 years later, you can still see the love my mother holds in her eyes, and the feeling of home in my fathers.
So while some marriages shouldn't have been rushed, some are better that way. As long as your focus on your marriage and follow your vows Till Death Do Us Part, a 16-day relationship can turn into a full, vibrant marriage
