So this week it is a personal post.
On Friday 12th August at 10:10 am 1972, Marc and I were married, unknown to us it is also the first day of grouse shooting, the Glorious 12th! Just one of those useless facts that you always remember.
I remember clearly someone saying it will never last, hope the same person reads this, 50 years on we are still together.
Often when you reach a milestone you are asked , how do you make it work?
I have thought about this a great deal, and there isn’t just one thing, there is a whole package of things.
For me I made promises to Marc on that day 50 years ago, and I meant everyone one.
Promises are not made to then break, but yes, you do need to work at it.
Of course we loved each other, even though do we actually know what that particular word means? I think it means something different to different people. Those first days, months and years that love changes from an intense love to a settling down to a settled love.
Fundamentally Marc and I actually like each other, we are friends.
We don’t always agree but we respect each other and opinions.
As a couple I believe you have to compromise, as a couple it is no longer all about you. You no longer put yourself first.
Needless to say humour is vital, being able to laugh at yourself as well, helps.
Marc has always been my soulmate and my rock, always there to listen to my rants, and there are many of those. He never fans the flames, just listens.
Without his encouragement I would never have set up BGSG, his support has given me the confidence I needed.
Some of you will know that for many years we lived with my Mum and looked after her as she became unwell. Marcs love, care and compassion for her was truly wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble, after working long hours he would always check in with her and ask if there was anything she needed. Their relationship was so special and solid, and I will be forever grateful to him for that. There were times when things became so difficult, I wondered how much longer I could continue to look after Mum, but it was his strength that always steadied the ship.
As a Dad he has always been there for his boys, his family meant and means everything to him. Even though they are now Dads themselves, he is always there to help and support them in anyway he can.
Now of course he is a grandad to four wonderful grandchildren and his love for them is plain to see, his whole face lights up when they are around him.
The 11 years of estrangement for him was very hard to bare. He kept his hurt hidden from most people but I know the pain it caused, not being able to be there for his eldest granddaughter was so very hard for him. He was trying to support his son and me whilst feeling the living bereavement as much as anyone of us.
His joy when he heard that she had been in contact with her Dad was clear, that heavy heart was lifted.
Although he is now facing his own health issues, he is still putting his family first, and being a steadying hand in times of storms.
So a time to reflect on 50 extraordinary years.
Thank you Marc for everything you do for us all, thank you for putting up with me for so long and yes, it did last and hopefully many more happy years to follow.
50 years and counting. x
