Today is my parents 40th anniversary. They renewed their vows at church, who livestreamed the event, and had a song pre-recorded by my little cousin who actually won a record deal on one of those American-Idol type shows.
Everyone was maintaining social distance, and most people actually watched the stream.
i didn't get to hear everything Mom and Dad said cause they wouldn't talk into the mic and the person running the sound screwed up where I wouldn't have.
But it was still nice to see my parent still getting along, wiping their eyes, and still in love with each other.
I learned how to love from my dad (and a few relationship books I read as a kid trying to improve my odds in getting this wonderful thing I'd heard about called a girlfriend) I don't think I figured it all out, but he never missed noticing a hair cut, never forgot Mother's day or their anniversary; Only missed 1 birthday, and then came up with a completely new day (flowers on the first day of spring) that he never forgot to make up for it, and kept that up too. Gestures and sentiment might not be everything, but after 40 years, I think he's at worst not wrong about them.
I can't imagine what I'll feel about my relationships in 40 years, but I hope I get to experience love and commitment that last that long too.