Twenty years ago my wife and I made a Marriage Encounter (ME) weekend. It was a real blessing for us, and temporarily rekindled the fervor of our relationship. We (and particularly, I) had deeper issues to deal with, though, so its medium-term benefits were not all they could have been. But in the last year or so we've reconnected with the ME community, and it's been really good for us. Over the past decade we've seen a real renaissance in our marriage, and ME really helps us to keep the fire of our love stoked, to keep making it a priority.
Yesterday we attended our first Day of Romance, a gathering of about 35 ME couples reasonably close to Cincinnati. That isn't necessarily very many couples for so large an area, but then again, it was a day long event, and a lot of couples - especially those with younger children - have trouble getting away for such. Anyway, there was one point in the day at which it would have been easy for mrs tg and I to get derailed, as an old obstacle popped up. But we were each able to stay in the moment and reaffirm each other, rather than either of us getting frustrated and giving up. It actually ended up contributing to a very uplifting day for us as a couple.
Last night we had a get together with my riding buddies and other friends and their wives for a bonfire and cookout. The weather was great, the fellowship greater. Good thing the calendar gave us an extra hour last night!
Today was another gorgeous day, so after mass, when mrs tg was at our youngest daughter's baby shower (she's due again in a month) I was able to get out for a short bike ride, about 20 miles or so. Then mrs tg and I enjoyed a nice evening together.
Not that the weekend was all roses. We have an ongoing family issue related to today's shower that has us both really frustrated. I hate to see the people I love not appreciate the treasures in their lives, especially when it reaches a point of putting them at risk. It's funny how our feelings can be so complex, how I can be mostly really pleased and satisfied with my life and simultaneously really sad and concerned about specific circumstances in it.
Heading to MD mid-week through the weekend, to spend time with mrs tg's mom and dad, maybe cook some meals and do some chores around the house, try to help out in whatever way we can as her mom presses on with her chemo. Will also have a chance to get together with other family and friends while there. We're really looking forward to the trip.
(Tom, how was your trip?)
Sounds like you had a great weekend. And a trip this week as well. Good deal.
ReplyDeleteOur trip was great. Having so much of the family together was just phenomenal. The 2.5 year old grandkids are much more comfortable in their own space (they were not real happy when they visited last August).
I'm not sure how you guys travel but can I offer a suggestion? We do have a timeshare which has been great. But sometimes there isn't one close to where we want to go or isn't large enough for the people who want to go. So instead of hotels, we've started using www.vrbo.com and rent a house. The price is usually quite a bit better than hotels, especially when the cost can be divided among family members. And we have a lot of room for all the folks.
We are planning another trip in December and we are trying to get more family to go. Stay tuned!
Have a great trip. Hope Mrs. TG's mom is comfortable.