To a couple worth celebrating

Nov&Dec_04 047
Originally uploaded by Zozo.

dear mum and dad

Celebrating 30 years of marriage, of sacred but determined union
30 years of unity in diversity
of opinion and energy

Is something indeed worth celebrating and reflecting and recognizing
And admiring
Especially in a throw-away world seeking selfish instant gratification

Your selflessness, loyalty, patience and unconditional love
For each other
For your parents
For your children, no matter how ungrateful, untidy or in arrears they are
Cannot be found on e-bay and sold to the highest bidder

For it is priceless
And sown deeply in your hearts
Delivered not in a van, but through your every day actions
To each other
To your children
To your colleagues
To your friends
To your community
To strangers you will never meet
But who have regularly met your kindness

Fortunately perfection does not taint either of you
Glowing haloes would make your achievements and example
Easily explained and dismissed
And unattainable for others
Your honest humanity and humility generates
Even more love and respect towards you both
And something to attempt to emulate if we dare

For what you have, over and after 30 years of matrimony
Is special and dare I say very unique
Neither of you "the other half"
But one and one making two
So where can it be found?

In the cups of tea and coffee made, with just the right strength and sugar
The barbeques cooked and the lawns mowed
Buttons reattached and hems sewn.
In the shadow shift work and salaries shared and loaned
The dinner table discussion and argument
And collective protest over cooked breakfast


It's in the open house to friends and family and partners
In the hundreds of speech night ceremonies
And backyard praises
In the shared laughter, joy and pride
In Sean
In Liam
In Kylie
In Zoe
In 25 Krebs Street, Kippa-Ring - not the house, the home

As you celebrate 30 years of marriage, of sacred but determined union
We are at once proud and eternally indebted
For all that YOUR efforts and sacrifice have given us
May your bond last beyond the next 30 years
As will your legacy of love to us.

Zoe Margaret Fitzgerald, 11 January 2005, Amsterdam