Michigan morning - Mike
Dear Mom and Dad, I have been trying to think of an anecdote of you as individuals, a couple in love, rather than "Mom and Dad". I realize that before there was "Mom and Dad" there was George and Dolores. A man and a woman that became the best of friends, fell in love, married, raised a family and have enjoyed each others companionship for the past fifty years. Seen in this light I have decided to try and capture an essence of the love, marriage, friendship and intimacy I have witnessed over the years. No mean feat this. but what stands out for me? Perhaps because I am rather subdued in my expressions of love. (my dear, wife Gloria can attest to this) I have decided to put to paper a simple, but for me. profound memory of a quiet, late spring, Michigan morning. Late May was cool, but pleasant. The light scent of blooming fruit trees mingled with earthy country smells and the subtle presence of pine trees. I had been on leave for the last few days. What a difference home is from the fast pace. chaotic life of a sailor at sea. Here I could relax, here is my center. Home was good, safe, warm and loving.		(What a lucky man I am. Because my heart has never left I still have that "home" within me, but more importantly I have the loving "home" that Gloria and I have created for each other. But I digress, back to the past.) On the front porch sat Mom and Dad drinking-coffee. I would not intrude into their world on that fine day. The Navy had taught me to respect another persons space and privacy. I realized too. that with seven children, the luxury of quiet conversation is to be enjoyed and savored. Pa sat on the porch bench over near the bird feeder, smoking his pipe. coffee cup oh the picnic table. Arms crossed, legs outstretched he was simply looking out towards the lake. a man enjoying the moment in the company of his best friend. Mom too was looking over the property but she would be not still for long. Up she jumped, something had caught her attention and must be investigated. Down the steps, across the yard and into the pines. Dad looked on with a small smile playing at the comers of his mouth. He had seen this display numerous times in his life. As I watched Dad watch Mom I could sense a mix of emotions from the man. There was the love he held for this woman, the
late spring, Michigan morning - Mike
admiration he felt knowing that she was off again on another other "adventures", her inquisitive nature a source of pride and exasperation to him. On her return, he wore his somewhat bemused "What in the hell has she found this time" look. Now I mean no disrespect to my mother. but you must remember she possesses an enormous sense of wonder for the world around her. To her, questions just beg investigation and answers must be found! Returning to the porch she displayed her new found treasure. When I saw Mom showing Dad her latest find it is easy to see why Dad fell in love with this vivacious, intelligent woman. Quick-witted. open, and energetic, Mom always displayed an outgoing love of life. The simple act of sharing an interesting looking pine cone spoke volumes. "Share what I have. let me bring you into my world. What is important to me I give freely to you. I know you will be considerate and my trust in you allows me to be myself, open and vulnerable. I love you. I will take a chance. I want you to share the joy I have for all that is beautiful in life." "Your happiness is as important to me as my own. Your love of life brings me joy. I respect your ideas and your dreams. I will always be here for you. I will be your shelter. I love you." Of course I did not hear Mom and Dad speak those		words, but it was not hard to imagine that they had been spoken a number of times in the past. After all I have watched this "dance" for years. Watched and learned. I learned that it takes hard work and commitment for a relationship to grow. That "being in love" is riot enough to guarantee the success of a marriage. This early morning scene gave me a glimpse into a world that few people ever experience. The gentle communication of two people who have spent most of their lives loving one another. The easy touch, a quiet joke. the relaxed comfort afforded by an intimacy that has taken years to achieve. I knew first hand of the difficult and trying times they have had in their lives. Problems with the children, health, and finances, when the communication between them was strained. When difficulties arose I saw the effort they put forth to keep uncertainty and anxiety from polarizing the feelings they had for one another. The effort of the individual and the combined effort of partners. Partners that knew their relationship was worth any undertaking or sacrifice. Parents can make such an impact on their children. Their actions, the tone and inflection of words, how an isolated act of love and concern can be fondly remembered for a lifetime. They are truly teachers of life and living. When I was a child I did not understand the bond of love between my parents. Certainly I knew Mom and Dad loved each other, but
late spring, Michigan morning - Mike
only as a child understands love. Now that I am a man and have married my own "best friend" I have started to understand the depth of their love. The willingness to. work together, to remember each is an individual, and to respect the dreams of the other. Their love is a living testimonial to what a man and a woman can create for themselves. A simple memory, an ongoing lesson in life and love that is as vivid to me now as it was those many years ago on that fine Michigan morning. All My Love, Mike