I went to see “Hope Springs” last week because I wanted to see a relationship movie that tweaked my emotions. When I related the movie to co-workers over lunch the next day they asked if the age difference bothered me…actually it never occurred to me.
Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones struggle together to reignite a spark in their marriage of thirty one years. OK, their kids were grown and mine are not, but I know at least three couples right now “as we speak” that are struggling with the exact same issues.
What did occur to me is that the human condition is universal. Regardless of age, we seek to be loved, cherished, honored and respected. Socrates said “An Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living” between 470 and 399 BC and I assert that some truths remain throughout the ages.
One of my dearest friends is Jonell Kirby Cash. At 82 she published her first work of fiction “A Ring A Dance A Second Chance”. The book takes a look at falling in love again after the death of a spouse. The story is lovely because all humans, regardless of their stage in life, long to believe in the hope of living in love.
Second Chance Marriages can offer challenges because families are blended. Imagine falling in love at 20…now compare that to 30 and 40…how would love feel to you at 60 or 70? Certainly the host of emotions differs through the decades but the quest for love never dies.
Looking back over the week I have to acknowledge the gift of being entertained by books and movies that represent people older than myself…I have a great deal to look forward to! I pause to consider, after raising kids and molding my career there lies within me…within each of us… the promise of chapters yet to come!
Perhaps love is on my horizon or I’ll find new relationships with friends yet unknown. What I do know for sure is that my eyes are open to the magnificent diversity of people around me. I have hope…and really…what more is there?
Andrea Williams
Managing Editor of A Public Relations Company
