Growing Together. Andrew Body

Where are you going?

      The vows at the beginning of this chapter have their feet firmly on the ground. They talk about better and worse, richer and poorer, sickness and health. If you are a very unusual couple, you might stand there on your wedding day and say ‘It’s all going to be worse, poorer and sick.’ But it is far more likely that you will be thinking it is all going to be better, richer and healthier! But the words say both. There is nothing dewy-eyed and romantic about them – they are tough words about real commitment.

      Ted and Liz were a wonderful young couple. He was a fine sportsman. She was a bubbly personality who made everyone smile. But, six months into their wedding, she was taken seriously ill with a disease that amongst other things confined her to a wheelchair. Nothing in their marriage was like the dreams on their wedding day. Ted nursed her and cared for her for fifteen years. The week she died, he said ‘I couldn’t have had a happier marriage.’ From the outside, anyone would have said that was nonsense. But he meant it. They were totally committed to each other, and they still had each other. That was enough for them.

       Things to talk about and share

      

Have you had any health issues to face together yet?

      

Can you imagine caring for your partner if they became dependent on you in some way?

      

One of the prayers in the Common Worship marriage service says ‘May they reach old age in the company of friends’.1 How does that make you feel?

      

Have you made a will? Will you be doing so when you get married?

      

What inscription would you like on your gravestone?