On June 9, 1956 Al Arquilla and Ann Lovittz became Mr. and Mrs. They shared their vowels and started their journey down the road of marriage. After sixty years, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 on the way, I decided to interview them and dig down deep to find the secrets to having a marriage last 60 years. What really makes a love so strong? How can I focus on having a relationship and a marriage like theirs... Because they're honestly the definition of marriage goals.
And before I go on, I'm the 10th grandchild of the family. These two people have played a huge role in my life so my mom could put food on the table. I watched them as they watched me grow and brought me to my first day of kindergarten, and also get me off the bus. They are pure and really what I want in my life is to have a marriage that is even half of what they say in their interview.
How did you meet?
My grandma worked at a restaurant that was attached to the bowling alley that my grandpa would hang out at. One day, my grandma was waiting for the bus at the bus stop and my grandpa and his friends went past in a car and beeped the horn.. Only to go past again and again. My grandpa slowed down and used the ever so clever pick up line, "Hey don't I know you?"
My grandma's reply? If you know her and her sassiness.. "I don't know, do you?"
My grandpa also told me that he asked to walk her home one night after she was done with work and her sly reply to the "Can I walk you home?" was "Do what you want!"
Sometimes having a little spice to some sweet sugar, is a good thing!
What makes a good marriage?
As I was sitting at the kitchen table with my grandparents, they both had amazing answers. In a marriage, there has to be communication. You have to look out for each other and respect each other. Never go to bed angry. Agree together and agree in raising children, never be selfish... "And it does you good to fight a little," quotes my grandma. So never give up.
Advice for young couples
You have to care about each other's concerns. You need to walk together down the same road. Be loyal and honest. Go to church together and God comes first. Pray together. Pray for each other. "Before we got married, I only wanted one woman in my life and I wanted to be young enough to enjoy children and grandchildren. I prayed to God that he would do this for me and well, God kept His promise!" Said my grandpa.
Yes, my heart was melting the whole time while talking to them.
He also added that there will be ups and downs but through God's grace, you can get through it.
And as for fighting, sometimes you have to just let her have the last word, since my grandma always has the last word or so she says.
And lastly, to young couples.. Before getting married, be truthful and get rid of baggage. Your significant other should know everything about you. There should be no secrets or surprises.
What does love mean to you?
"Love is our grandchildren and great grandchildren." Love is "ALWAYS THERE." True love grows as years go on. It does not stay the same, as two people grow older, love grows stronger and there are many different loves.
So what did I learn in this?
I learned that love isn't always happy.. Sometimes it can have other emotions, but a person should always have their priorities straight and walk together with their spouse down the same road. It's always a challenge with being in the modern world since the divorce rate is over 50%... And well, everyone knows how the dating world is now. But love is possible and God makes it possible. God gave us the gift of love. Let's not abuse it. Let's all have 60 years of marriage. <3
