SECRET TO WEDDED BLISS for 80 years

Long ago, when I was in tears asking why someone could not just forgive me for whatever it was that I had done, a wise counselor said, "If he forgives you, he has no more excuses, he has to come home".... forgiveness is the secret, but it begins with saying, and meaning, "I am sorry" without any justifications or adding the usual... 'but if you...'. It is I AM SORRY for.... because it has hurt you.... please forgive me. This couple learned it, long ago....

It is NOT seeking fulfillment of one's self, or one's 'soul mate'... it is being responsible and working toward the salvation of your spouse. That is what is primary. The Salvation of your spouse. Eternal salvation. Witness Elizabeth Leseur and her husband Felix, later Fr Felix Leseur as a result of her faithfulness and sacrifice through all of their difficulties. Love is a choice. Forgiveness is a choice. It begins with .... me. Witness this couple, married 80 years...and God bless them both. Well done, good and faithful servants!

SECRET TO WEDDED BLISS - SAYING SORRY
British couple holds record for longest marriage at 80 years

Reuters
June 1, 2005

LONDON - A British couple -- the record holders for the world's longest
marriage ? said on Tuesday their success was down to a glass of whisky, a
glass of sherry and the word "sorry."

Percy and Florence Arrowsmith married on June 1, 1925, and celebrated their
80th anniversary on Wednesday.

The Guinness World Records said on Tuesday the couple held the title for the
longest marriage and also for the oldest married couple's aggregate age.

"I think we're very blessed," Florence, 100, told the BBC. "We still love
one another, that's the most important part."

Asked for their secret, Florence said you must never be afraid to say
"sorry."

"You must never go to sleep bad friends," she said, while Percy, 105, said
his secret to marital bliss was just two words: "yes dear."

The couple have three children, six grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren and are planning a party soon.

"I like sherry at lunch time and whisky at night and I'm looking forward
very much to my party," Florence said.

Copyright 2005 Reuters
© 2005 MSNBC.com