The Happy Cottage

Isn't this a happy spot? It is the cottage where my dear sweet husband grew up. There were 5 little acorns that grew there. They ran the woods and fished in the lake. Total childhood paradise on five little acres. There are very sweet memories of family gatherings. And as each one grew they did not wander far from this cottage. Two live on the same property and the others are very close by.

I know a lot of people have difficulty with their in-laws, but I have been blessed with a family that I never had growing up. My mother in law has always been such an inspiration to me. She has a huge heart and the gift of hospitality. My father in law is a little on the quiet side, but has a sense of humor and a heart of gold. Guess that is where my own dear hubby got his. They are 88 and 89, respectively, and continue to show love to each other, even if only in the smallest of ways. In June they will celebrate 67 years of marriage. Not many marriages last half that long. Or one fourth that long. There were heartaches and disappointments, but they have hung on to each other through it all.

As I watch this dear couple in these, their twilight years, try to hang onto their independence, as the zest for life is waning, I continue to stand amazed at their love for each other. And their sweetness of heart for their children, grandchildren, great-grands and friends.

"So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend."
Robert Louis Stevenson