[206 words]
A male and a female get married. They think they know one another well, but soon learn not that well. They move into their first home together, he leaves the seat up, she has hair everywhere. The roller coaster is halfway up the steep hill. Children come into the family; the son is an athlete while the daughter is homecoming queen. The drama surrounding both is a bit much, but the parents are glad to be there to help with the navigation. The rollercoaster car begins to crest. The children move out of the house, empty nest settles in. What to do? The newlyweds 25 years ago get reacquainted, go many places together, waste gas, eat out, spend money (every now and again) frivolously. The rollercoaster car has crested and is halfway down the highest hill of the ride. Fifty-five years after marriage, the rollercoaster car comes to a rest. The husband and wife of nearly six decades get out and rest on solid ground, reflecting on the ride. What a ride! It was joyous, aggravating, and concerning, and now they can’t believe it’s almost over. Oh, how they would like to ride again! Time’s up, another newlywed lifts the safety bar and sits down.
Ron Thomas
Sunrush church of Christ
Chillicothe, OH