Changes

Short, nonfic story about modern love. <3

I was brought up in a loving home. Two married parents, married grandparents, family dinners filled with love and compassion. The subject of marriage was always apparent. My great grandfather and great grandmother’s relationship was the epitome of true, fairytale-like love. Even after his wife left us to be with the angels, my great grandfather stayed dedicated to her in every way, even crafting a memorial plaque and attaching it to his fishing boat.

From a young age, I pictured my future self; a happily married woman in the suburbs, maybe with kids, definitely with cats.

But, things change. Society changes. Our ideals change. And that’s what happened to me.

My maternal grandfather was in a long term, committed relationship with his girlfriend, whom I called “Grandma Carol”. She wasn’t biologically related to me. My maternal grandmother had divorced my grandfather, but they remained best friends until my grandfather passed away.

But here’s the kicker. The turning point in my mind when it came to my conceptions of love. My grandfather and Grandma Carol weren’t married. I didn’t know that for a long time. My mother mentioned in passing after my grandparents moved to Florida that they were considered married by common law in the new state. Of course, I inquired about their relationship, and she explained they were never married. When he was ready, she wasn’t. When she was, he wasn’t. She wore an engagement ring and promised her life to him, but they didn’t need a certificate to show the world they were in love.

I decided then that I didn’t either. The fairytale wedding I had envisioned turned into just happy moments shared with a partner. No white dress and pretty flowers were needed, and I was happy with that. I had a new love aspiration.

Like my great grandfather, who remained dedicated to his wife long after she passed, Grandma Carol remained dedicated to my grandfather when he passed. This further proved to me that they never needed marriage to be, and show, that they were happily in love.

Neither do I.