My sister, Pat, passed away this month. Her outlook on life was an inspiration to me. Both she and her husband, Don, left this life at 87. Life was not always perfect but each always positive and wonderful examples of how to “live” a marriage and life. They still had that twinkle in their eye for each other. This twinkle was something noticed and loved through the years.
In today’s world many marriages do not seem to have the same foundation in love and marriage as they did. An old article was found in their papers which, I believe, was one answer to their loving and living life.
“Love and laughter … word cherish oft forgotten.”
Surely one of the loveliest words in the marriage ceremony is “cherish.” People use it less frequently than “love.” We don’t even think much about it. For “cherish” is a shy kind of word, gentle, inconspicuous, not subject to discussion.
Yet nothing is more vital to human happiness than – to be cherished. It means: “To hold dear, with tenderness and affection; hence to nurture with care.” How commonplace, yet at the same time how exquisite.
You are foolish, can’t balance your checkbook, you overcharge things, tell corny jokes and sometimes yell. Yet the family forgives you, laughs and makes allowances for you. Impossible though you are, you are dear to them … cherished.
You have to make a trip. Countless complicated arrangements to be made. Who’ll take care of the house? Who’ll transport people various directions? Don’t worry – family, friends, rise to help. For some odd reason they want this to be easy for you, pleasant. You are cherished.
You get the flu. You CAN’T get the flu. Too busy. You are put sternly to bed. They tiptoe in to bring you a pill, orange juice, or just check on how you are … soothing, now get to sleep, forget everything. Drifting off, the sweet awareness comes over you. “This is what it’s all about really … to be cherished.”
There is nothing romantic, passionate, dramatic, intellectual, adventurous about it. But how peaceful, how wonderful, how … important. To be cared about, looked after, held dear. To be nurtured, to be cherished.
You both were all of the above to your family, friends and little sister, Nancy Jo. You have no idea how much you will be missed.
Nancy Jo Zier
Orcas Island
