love thursday: the couple that gets water together

15 CommentsThursday • March 1, 2007 • by michelle

P’s parents have been married for nearly 50 years and have 7 children; P is the youngest. I haven’t asked how they got together, but judging from the time period, it’s possible that it was somewhat arranged, that is, at least encouraged by their respective families.

Maybe because this is a Love Thursday post, you’re waiting for a “and they’re still in love after all these years” revelation. Truth be told, I imagine they are at least in some way, but they certainly aren’t lovey dovey. In fact, they are an awfully stoic couple, not touchy feely at all–I know, you’re wondering if they’re really Italian, but this is actually quite common in the older generations down here from what I’ve seen.

They came of age during World War II, when there was never enough of anything to go around. But they made do, and they still make do. They never had a lot of material stuff, extra time to offer up for each and every child, time to just relax and have fun–they were busy working and providing the basics, which included raising nearly all of their food from start to finish.

Sometimes it’s easy for those of us who didn’t grow up in this culture to judge a particular style of parenting and/or living from the outside looking in. But when I look deeper and try to understand the “whys” along with the behavior, I see that P’s parents are, indeed, extremely loving people. Instead of giving “things,” hugs, and kisses, they are of the school that says you show your love by doing nice things for others, things that make their lives easier.

And they most certainly do a lot for us. A list would be tedious, but I did happen to catch a photo of them doing something for P and me the other day.

Getting water from a mountain spring (try to imgaine there’s no graffiti).

Not too long ago, this spring was closed because of a lack of water (no rain!), but since it’s reopened, P’s mom in particular is ecstatic. Although there’s a truck that comes around with mountain water for about 10 cents a container (you bring the empties, and the driver refills while you wait), P’s mom likes the taste of this spring water better.

I can’t say that I taste a difference, but in any event, we are never thirsty, and we are grateful.

Happy Love Thursday everyone!

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