Loving Advice from Great-Grandparents
While preparing to perform my son’s wedding, I discovered a fascinating little book entitled, Advice to a Married Couple. What is special about this book is that it was given to my great-grandparents (Walter and Flora Hall) as a wedding gift in 1868. It provides timely advice about remaining both lovers and best friends.
The following is a brief excerpt: “I exhort you to preserve that affection for each other which first determined you to be partners for life. In the continuance of this alone, you will find the sufferings of the present state considerably reduced. Trials and difficulties are the common lot of humanity, and you cannot hope for an exemption from them. Rough roads, dark nights, and stormy days are to be expected; but while your affections continue undiminished, you will find a considerable alleviation of the difficulties with which you have to contend. The trials which occur will be less felt when they serve as occasions of proving afresh the care and tenderness which you have for each other.”
They must have followed this advice because they had over 50 wonderful years of marriage.
- Bill Rudge
