50 Days to 50 Years: Day 45, Couples Therapy
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." — Henry Ford
The best kind, actually. Robert and Gina are among the first people we met at Montrose Church in a Faith and Film Class led by producer Ralph Winter, and we loved them immediately. Robert has an acerbic wit honed by his years as a police detective, and Gina is the sweetest, most welcoming person you could ever meet; she exudes genuine warmth and is an extremely smart lady. We were blessed and delighted that the feeling was mutual, and it was sad when the 8-week class ended, because we wouldn't have opportunity to see them every week. While going to a church with two campuses and multiple services has benefits, that is one of drawbacks; so it requires intentionality to stay connected. When Lynn and I became members of the church, we let Robert and Gina know, and asked if they would be there when we were welcomed into the church family. They wholeheartedly agreed, and also invited us on a dinner date with them in the future—their treat! We had a grand time tonight at Los Gringos Locos in La Canada Flintridge, imbibing margaritas, eating chips and salsa, and inhaling burritos, tacos, guacamole, and enchiladas. [gallery ids="1835,1836,1837,1870" type="rectangular"] But more than that, we had the opportunity to draw upon the wisdom of a couple who has done marriage successfully for over 27 years. Robert and Gina shared some insights with us that were thought-provoking and profound. They also shared the joy of friendship, mutual respect, and laughter. Lynn and I are moving toward one decade together, and desire to continue to thrive. To do that, it is essential that we have the support and weight of a community that encourages that success, and embodies it. We are grateful Robert and Gina are a part of that community, and we look forward to more time with them in "couples therapy".