photo from the Connecticut Post, BK Angeletti
I am not a news junkie. In fact, I avoid the news at all costs. I have decided that I would rather live my life in blissful ignorance, than fill it with negativity and fear. There are so few positive stories shared these days.
Despite my avoidance of the news, I recently, saw a post on Twitter that had me heading to the Associated Press. It said, “Meet the Longest Married Couple.” I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to meet them.
Last month, John and Ann Betar celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary and were declared the US’s Longest Married Couple. Since then, it seems that other couples have come forth to claim the label for themselves, but that is beyond the point here.
The Twitter feed linked to a video of the couple being interviewed. I couldn’t wait to hear what kind of insight they had into marriage. What could I learn from them? The couple sat together on a couch while being interviewed, his hand resting comfortably on her knee.
The first thing I noticed about this remarkable couple, is how young they looked and acted for being people of 101 and 97 years old, respectively. I hope I can be of such strong mind and body when I am their age, may I even make it to their age.
Listening to this couple talk of their love story, their life and marriage . . . I was so touched. There was just something about them, so sweet and adorable. But, there was one thing that was said, that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind since.
They were, of course, asked the question that everyone on the planet wants the answer to. “What is the secret to your marriage?” Here is what she answered,
“He has always had his hand on my knee.”
So sweet, simple and deeply profound. As she said it, they both giggled and he quickly removed his hand from her knee laughing, probably not even realizing his hand was there in the first place. It had become something so natural.
What is the secret to a long marriage? To her, it seems the answer was connection. He was always somehow connected to her. A physical connection. A simple touch that she could always count on. Something beyond words. Something that says, “I’m here. I love you. You matter. I want you close to me.”
“He has always had his hand on my knee.”
Am I naive enough to think that simple gesture is enough in a marriage? No. But, I believe there is a very valuable lesson to be learned in that statement. To me it says, never underestimate the power of connection. The power of simple gestures that show your spouse love. A touch that shows contentment and loyalty. A special gift of love that is reassuring, loving and comfortable. A touch can often transcend words. It can say, “I love you” with a simple clasp of a hand, a brush of the cheek, a warm embrace, a squeeze of a knee.
Stay connected.
Don’t take for granted the simple power of a loving hand resting on the knee of your spouse.
Today’s lesson in improving my marriage: Simple gestures of love go a long way.
Here is one of the interviews of them in case you want to meet them too. Newsday.com
Most Likely To Marry 
Comments on: "Meet the Longest Married Couple" (2)
You’re right: there has to be more than a physical gesture. But his hand on her knee obviously has a lot of meaning behind it. There’s a reason his hand is there, and I think you explained it perfectly. “I’m here. I love you. You matter.” Everyone needs to hear that.
Isn’t it great to read a story like this once in a while?
It is so great to hear stories like this. It seems that I am surrounded by people getting a divorce so I cling to the happy stories.
I just wanted to thank you for always taking the time to stop by and read and comment on my posts. It has been such a boost to me to continue to write and help others. My blog will be moving this week to a self hosted site http://married-and-naked.com/ New name and look, same blog. Just wanted a little more flexibility with my site. I will look forward to continuing to follow your posts. Your posts, above all others, are the ones that I look forward to reading the most! Thank you.