Coo
Over the years, couples have asked, "What is the secret to a long and happy marriage?" We never know how to answer, so we usually stare at each other for a moment or two before responding. It is unwise to offer particular or detailed advice to another marriage, especially within the hearing distance of one's spouse. You may be headed for an unhappy marriage if you don't understand why. (Yes, I'm grinning as I write these words.)
Now I have an answer to the question! One fine day, a kayak adventure guide on a river in Hawaii provided me with it. DISCLAIMER: The advice you are about to receive is essential, yet it does not guarantee a long and happy marriage. There are few guarantees in this life. This story is just for fun.
My wife and I always celebrate our wedding anniversary, but never with "gifts"; we were married on September 22nd in the Caribbean. It’s otherwise classified. This photo was taken on a pre-pandemic anniversary trip to a gorgeous Pacific island when people could still leave their houses for vacations.
The activities happening on the day of this photo sounded innocent enough—a kayak “adventure to the falls” on the Wailua River. How romantic! Neither of us had operated a kayak with a partner before, but it should be no problem, “I chuckled to myself.”
Halfway up the river, most of the other couples were well out of sight ahead of us. Who knew it was that far to the falls? The guide came looking for us and flashed a big smile when he found us. I grinned pretty big, too. He was a pro: “A LOT of married couples paddle in circles or fight each other’s efforts in a two-man kayak …. seriously, you wouldn't believe what I see almost every trip!”
He paddled closer to us. “Over the years, I’ve learned much about marriages and people by how they handle the kayak and behave themselves on this river.” He was pleased to see that we “cooperate with each other.”
We laughed so hard at that comment we almost capsized. And we were already winded—you know—from the cooperation.
Ignore my attempt at a macho look (in the photo). My hair tells the real story! The return trip was painless—even though our arms felt like Jello. At the halfway point (photo), my wife could still lift her arm long enough to signal, “Shaka mahalo.” And, yessir:
Cooperation is certainly worth a try and may actually be THE primary cause of a successful marriage. Sometimes, we resort to it. (wink wink). Humor is essential in a marriage, too.
Our marriage? Today, we’re still paddling together down the stream of life—Cooperating. :<))
Copyright 2022, edited 2024, Gary Landerfelt, MyPericope.com
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