There’s only one plane of existence that is guaranteed to seem perfect and right to you at all times, and that’s the one in your dreaming heart. But the place in the real world that will come closest to that kind of mythic perfection is the one where you can dwell in the center of real, constant and generous love. On the third of August, every year of my life, I get to celebrate such a love because it’s the anniversary of my parents’ marriage.
Their love for each other has withstood many tests and trials over time, but because it was genuine and down-to-earth love from the beginning, the tests and trials have tended to be more externally made and less harsh, perhaps, than they might otherwise have been. And in its best and least challenged days, it shines the brighter because it feeds and is fed by a larger love—for life, for those articles of faith and those people they hold dear—and I, as one of their offspring, get to share in that care and affection, friendship, respect and kind generosity.
This is the sort of beauty and distinction that transcends fairytale happiness and is, instead, steady and sure. Better than supposed Magic and miracles, it is so dependable that even when the sun isn’t shining quite right or the cogs of the world aren’t turning exactly as one might wish they would, it’s possible and natural to have assurance that what needs to be will return; goodness will prevail, and we will all get back to the constant and comforting business of loving and being loved by one another. It’s a potent blend of companionship and concern and hope that aren’t dependent on spells and manipulations but reside in the everyday promise, and every third of August I get to celebrate it anew because my parents taught me what this kind of love can be.
Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad.
Art-Colored Glasses 
Hi Kathryn, Nice tribute to your parents and how nice to be part of that kind of steady and larger circle of love. My family was small and disjoint, so I’m still learning how to create those kinds of circles.
blessings, Brad
I can think of no better way to create loving, kind community than through a blog like yours, Brad. You are on the right path for certain! 🙂
Blessings.
Thanks Kathryn!
I like the idea of “the everyday promise”; it’s simple, wonderful, and absolutely a symbol of love. Your mom and dad sound like amazing people and that’s no surprise considering how awesome their daughter is. (:
I get a touch of awesomeness genetically, to be sure, but lots of it comes from hanging around with awesome people like you, dearest! 😀
xo
What wonderful role models for you!
Yes, indeed. Not easy to live up to, but well worth the trying. 🙂
xo
Down to earth love – spot on!
Best kind by far! 😀
what a lovely way to pay tribute to their love 🙂
Little enough recompense for their having to raise me. 😉 But seriously, they do deserve the tribute. 🙂
xoxo
Wonderful, Kathryn. I hope your parents enjoyed their anniversary and all those that are sure to follow.
We had a lovely afternoon gathering at my big sister’s place: Mom & Dad, one sister, one Auntie (Ingrid!) & Uncle, one nephew, Richard and me. Delicious grilled picnic in the backyard and lazy visiting under the yard umbrellas in beautiful West Seattle weather. 😀