Monday, July 23, 2012
Assignment #7: Marriage Experts
For this assignment, I knew right away that I wanted to interview my parents, Marianne and Carlton Joseph. They have set such a great example for me and my sisters. They have shown us what love is, and what it means. When I get married, I know I want a marriage exactly like theirs. They got married on May 7th, 1983, so they have been married for 29 years! When asked of their challenges over the past 29 years, they both answered my Dad's job. He went away on fires a lot for lengthy periods of time, so my Mom had to take care of all four girls, the house, finances, etc. all on her own. My Dad was also the only one who worked once the kids were born, so he would work a lot of overtime to make sure we all had good lives. However, these challenges were resolved by accepting their situations, after all, that is how they wanted it to be and wouldn't change a thing about it. They both took responsibility for what needed to be done to support one another and raise a family together. They worked as a team and spent time together when they could. Their love, appreciation, and individual contributions were a big part of why they were able to overcome any challenges. Support and encouragement is something you also must never forget about. I then asked of their new challenges and they has said how it is difficult adjusting now that the kids are grown (2 out of the 4 are on their own now). It will soon be just the two of them and it'll be just like how it was when they first got married. My Dad will be retiring in 2 years, so they are easing into a period of adjustment where they need to focus on themselves and each other as a couple. Their advice to have a happy, healthy, successful marriage is to always stay true and committed. Be supportive and work as a team. Realize that there are no problems that are too big to handle. Remember what attracted you to each other when you first met, and the qualities you each bring to the relationship. Be respectful, patient, and considerate. Be there when you are needed. What helped them to be successful was their commitment to always love one another and to accept whatever challenges came along while working together to overcome them.
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It is nice to see a family still together. This helps the kids to have a better understanding what a good marriage is all about and how to deal with challengers that come. They seem to have what it tkaes to be together for the rest of their lives. Cheers to them.
ReplyDeleteI also knew that I wanted to interview my parents, I was curious as to what they would answer and if they were different
ReplyDeleteI thought this was pretty cool my parents also got marriend on May 7th but of 1988
ReplyDeleteOh how cool.. What a weird coincidence! haha :)
DeleteIt's not easy trying to have so many kids, but at least you get to spend time together and help them explain the difficulties that may lay ahead of them in the future, especially when you have to work so much. But I think being a family, as well as accepting love for each other and challenges in the near future, is the most important thing above anything else.
ReplyDeleteWow 29 years is a long time! It's a shame that something like this is so rare these days. Like we just learned, the divorce rate is 50-55% today! Your parents were obviously both very committed to each other. It may take them a while to adjust when the nest is empty, but I'm sure they will enjoy it. My parents have been married a long time also, I make sure I visit them very often, coincidentally I'm always there around dinner time!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie I to chose my parent for this one. They both said the same things as your parents did. They both believed communication was and is key to the success they have had in their marriage. My mom said fighting in a marriage is a good thing along as it is healthy because you are both letting each other know what is bothering you and you and work together to try and fix it. They do not believe that divorce should be an option if both partners want to be together and make the marriage work. They feel young coulples today are to quick to divorce as a quick fix to their relationship problems rather than working through those difficult problems together.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you had such a good environment to grow up in! That sort of thing is very hard to come by these days so it is very special when marriages last that long.
ReplyDeleteHey, Natalie I also pick my parents and is a good way to have communication with them and know more about then. I like that you pick you parents and that you love them as you had learn much about them.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly does your father do for a living? That's cool how you had a good role model on behalf of your mother, I think when we grow up seeing a parent juggle so much and how strong they get, we as their children appreciate life and people more. Congrats to your parents!
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