It Really IS TIME to Let It Go!

I must admit, there is something that pulls on my heart strings when I see that little old couple shuffling across the parking lot.  There always seems to be one of the two who appears stronger...moves easier...and patiently lends a hand to help the weaker one. 

They have weathered the ups and downs of life...together.  These couples come from an era where you didn't throw things away...you fixed them.  Divorce was not an option.  Marriages were not started with a mindset of staying married until things got tough...and then throwing in the towel and starting all over. 

I have been fortunate enough to get to know and engage in conversations with couples who have been together for almost as long (and in many cases longer) than I have been alive.  I am always wanting to know how they have stayed together so long.  I ask them "what is the secret".  Maybe in some way, I'm hoping I will hear something new.  Something that gives me (once and for all) that coveted key to the illusive happily ever after. 

Some of the initial answers I receive are really cute.  "I just turn my hearing aide off when she starts nagging" or "I let him think he is always right"...and we chuckle for a bit. Once they realize that I REALLY want to know...the answers start flowing: Forgiveness and Kindness, Respect and Patience, Trust and Compromise, Commitment and Tolerance.  No one can deny that there were times when things got tough.  But they hung in there...and seeing them disappear...along with their influence...saddens me greatly.

Our once UNITED country could stand to take notice of the secret to a long and happy relationship before it is gone.  A house divided will soon fall. We are airing our dirty laundry to the world...and our enemies are using this divisiveness against us.  Our politicians are no longer interested in governing...but are hell bent on destroying each other and showboating to advance their own interests.  We are no longer "represented"...we are simply pawns in the game of "I win...you lose"...and it sickens me!  ISIS is getting stronger daily, Russia is flying bombers closer to our shores, our allies are shaking their heads in disbelief and we are becoming the "cartoon empire" to the rest of the world. 

To me...the idea that all Democrats are lazy liberal socialists and all Republicans are conservative self absorbed jerks...makes as much sense as saying all women are sluts, all men are playboys, and all kids are brats!

The standoff and the hate must stop!  LET IT GO! It's time to take a long hard look at the fact that WE as AMERICANS have to get back to the basics of what makes for a long and successful relationship.  After all...we ARE in this country TOGETHER!