LAUGH. LOVE. LIVE.
There are few moments in life which will afford me as much pleasure as meeting the woman I had the opportunity to interview for this week’s Sage Wisdom article. When Bette first joined the club, she sent in a wonderful ‘Quick Tip’: “Wake up in the morning, and count your blessings. Give thanks to God for the wonderful life you share with your beautiful man. Tell him you love him and then get up and start your day with a smile on your face and love in your heart. It's worked for me...and we'll be outrageously happily married for 65 years in July.” I immediately responded and asked if she would consider being the first wife interviewed for the Sage Wisdom column of the site.
Keith and I were married in 2003 so by no means do I consider myself an expert in marriage. I am happy to give thoughts from my own experiences over these wonderful years but I did not create this site for the purpose of giving my own advice. It was to pass on the advice of those who have been married much longer than me. This new section of the site brings that desire to fruition.
Bette and Art, who prefer to go by Gramma Bette and Papa Art, have three grown children, all who have happy and loving marriages (each have been married between 30-41 years).
I hope you glean as much wisdom from this brief conversation as I did. Enjoy!
Bette, how did you and your husband meet? How many years ago?
My husband and I met 70 years ago at a Brownie meeting. I was dared to kiss the next boy who came down the hall…and that’s all it took.
If you could give your "Top 4 List" of principles you and your husband follow or things you have done over your years together to keep your relationship fresh, fun and happy -- what would they be?
- First and foremost, we never go to bed angry;
- Live as a couple, not married singles;
- Don’t just listen to each other, but hear what one another are truly saying;
- Put each other first – above all else – including parents and children;
Your children have solid marriages, as well. What do you attribute that to? Is there anything in particular you instilled in your children?
Everything I mentioned above, coupled with the experience of observing how a happy marriage can be.
What is the most special thing you remember your husband doing for you and vice versa?
How can I condense nearly 65 years of things he’s done for me? Perhaps, the most amazing are the little things, like bringing me coffee and a grapefruit in bed each day. Accepting me for who I am and not trying to change me. Being such a remarkable father, grandfather and great grandfather. For being an honest, upstanding, deeply ethical human being. And last but certainly not least, the love I see in his eyes every single day.
What is the most romantic date you can remember in your 64 years together?
Too many things to list. But for one example, there was the night we waltzed through fresh snow holding hands and singing love songs. We were 17 years old at the time (just like in the movie “Notebook”).
To the women who have stopped believing in love or a marriage that lasts a lifetime. What would you like to say to them?
It is never too late…Keep your eyes and your heart open and Mr. Right will come along, no matter how old you are.
Thank you, Gramma Bette and Papa Art, for the pleasure of posting this interview.
