Reflections: Relationships Are A Gift…
“If someone is in your life, it is because they have a gift for you, and you have a gift for them.” Robert Holden
Reflections: Relationships Are A Gift… Herbert & Zelmyra Fisher. Photo credit: DL Anderson
All of our relationships bring gifts and lessons; sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet. Some relationships are for a season; short, casual, fleeting, lacking in depth. Others are lifelong; with the complications and celebrations that accompany our journey on that path. Regardless of the strength or length of our relationships, we walk away with a gift or more — memories, emotions, lessons and even reinvented stories of the time we shared. What gifts do yours offer?
Zelmyra (103) and Herbert (105) Fisher hold the Guinness World Record as the longest married couple in the world; 88 years and counting. They were married on May 13, 1924 and maintain a strong, loving relationship. What is the secret to the longevity of their marriage? Zelmyra: “No secrets,” she says. “There isn’t any secret. It was only God that kept us together.” Herbert: “I didn’t know I would be married this long,” he says. You may read more about their relationship in this AARP article: 86 Years of ‘I Do’ or connect with Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher on Twitter via their handle – @longestmarried There is more below!
“Whenever you heal any relationship, your whole life improves — and that counts for double with family.” Robert Holden
Reflections: Relationships Are A Gift…
One thing that is fairly common in relationships is the pain that arises from unresolved slights. These slights/wounds/hurtful events could have occurred through miscommunications, inconsideration, or the manipulation of facts and conditions. In order for us to move forward and create healthy productive lives, we must heal our past and present hurts. How we chose to heal them is up to us. We could do a face to face, perform a symbolic ritual, or even involve an arbitrator. We can tap into that place of strength within and make a commitment to heal. The key is closure and healing… What are your thoughts? Do you see your relationships as gifts? What do you do to build long lasting relationships/friendships? What helps you handle the end of one? What impact has a failed relationship had on your life? Do share! Thank you. 😉
Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience! 🙂
Positive Motivation Tip: All relationships bring gifts and lessons… some bitter, some sweet. Cherish them all!
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All photos Relationships -Columpio Veracruz via Wikipedia via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
As you said, learning is most important. We should not try to ignore the lesson. 🙂 And as far as I’m concerned, I try not to end a relationship COMPLETELY. I just can’t do it. 🙂
A good post, Eliz! I really liked the example you have given. 🙂
What a wonderful example of a long marriage.. Alas I am not so good at relationships.. too insecure methinks!
Zelmyra (103) and Herbert (105) Fisher hold the Guinness World Record as the longest married couple in the world; 88 years and counting. ..
+
well, I’m married since 1956, only 47 years, I hope we’ll have some years to add …
sorry 1965…
Wow! 88 years! Just, wow!
Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher – lives very well lived. How wonderful. I do think relationships are a gift but often we don’t appreciate them enough.
In spite of our downs, I would love to be married to my husband for 88 years. He is my very best friend and he still makes me laugh after almost 22 years.
Failed relationships haunt, and not always because we might think we are to blame
This is just great, Elizabeth. A really wonderful couple whose lives portray God’s blessings.
43 and counting…ups…downs…pain…happiness…gains…losses…hurts…love…wellness…sickness…sorry…forgiveness…withdraws…holding…showing…telling…and sharing…It takes a lot…but, worth it! ~mkg
There are so many different layers of social relationships aren’t there? What lies at the foundation of each of them must be our basic beliefs, our ethics as those affect everything we do and say. And then there is also the simplicity of contact and the ease and time of it or whether we make the effort to continue it. And, in making that effort – we end up back at who we are underneath it all. Great topic and beautifully written!
Cute picture 88 years that really is a long time! I agree about relationships being gifts. I recently had a really challenging relationship with a family member it really stretched me personally and I found myself over and over having to dig deep. It was really tough, but I feel from the interactions I am a little bit different in a good way.
First off, I off my heartfelt congratulations to the Fishers for their long life of marital bliss together. Secondly, it amazes me that both have lived such long lives, probably due to having that someone to love, but never-the-less quite a feat. I wish them several more years of happiness together. Blessings to them both. As for the rest of us, we should be so lucky to find someone that is a true soul mate, even if it doesn’t last 88 years. Most of us won’t even live that long, which makes the Fisher’s years together even more amazing … hmmmm … ‘amazing’ seems to be the keyword with this couple. Thanks for the share, Elizabeth. Very uplifting!
They are just the cutest couple ever, aren’t they? Relationships are always tricky. I learned early in my life what not to do by watching my mother make one bad choice after another. Relationships are work and if you can’t do the work they probably won’t last.
Thanks Elizabeth.
b
What a beautiful story. I am inspired today because of this and you. Thank you. 🙂
wonderful love story 🙂 thank you merci beaucoup!!!
I can let go of slights on my own by realizing the other person is only human and so am I. Sometimes things can work out so both feel heard, other times not. When they can’t be worked out the best thing I can do is get a way a bit, and when I am calm make an effort to make nice. Makes it nice for both of us. jTook a learn time to learn. Elizabeth, I put this post on Pinterest. Just love being able to pin blogging friends. Staying strong.
http://pinterest.com/pin/147141112795921534/
I love this post…thank you!
anne (and just realized you’re on Twitter also…will have to follow you there :))
anne
Thanks for introducing Zelmyra and Herbert, what a wonderful love story.
Very special couple! Long-lasting relationships are only possibly with a lot of forgiveness and grace built right in. I think too often people are so touchy and give in to impatience when just waiting a bit could soften a passing offense. I’m sure Zelmyra ad Herbert weren’t happy all day every day…but they have what it takes! Debra
What a beautiful story – 88 years – that’s something!
As for relationships, I would say be careful what you say. Because you can apologize, but you can never take it back.
And focus on what you love about each other far more than what annoys you. And love each other, in word and deed, in as many ways as you can, every day.
We haven’t made it to 88 years, only 18, but that feels pretty wonderful!
Viewing this photo and this information about the Fishers is indeed a gift of inspiration to me today!
I would like to dissent just a little if I may on the quote “If someone is in your life, it is because they have a gift for you, and you have a gift for them.”
Unfortunately, it’s not always true. There are times when people come into one’s life to use them, even in marriage. Don’t be afraid to realize that and to shuttle such people back out of your life.
While I was amazed at the longevity of their marriage, what was even more amazing is that they have a Twitter account!
So inspiring! 🙂
One learns so many things from relationships: patience, forgiving, laughter, caring–too many to name. 88 years–I would love to hear their story.