“‘Till death do us part”. Perhaps one of the most recognized lines from a marriage ceremony. This is a promise to stick together through thick and thin. The best and the worst.
Sadly, many Americans do not follow through with these vows. A shocking 41% of 1st marriages end with a divorce (McKinley Irvin). Yet all of those people said the exact same phrase on their wedding day: “‘Till death do us part”. This high divorce rate sadness many people, including me. That is why it is so encouraging to hear stories of successful marriages.
Rocky Abalsamo was the man whose story encouraged me earlier today. Rocky Was married to his wife Julia for an astonishing 55 years, until her death in 1993. How did Rocky respond? for the next 20 years he would walk to the cemetery she was buried in every morning, set up a lawn chair, and sit beside her grave. When asked about his amazing devotion he responded, "Being here makes me feel better. Not good, but better. I do it for Julita, and for myself." Rocky’s love was so deep for his wife that he was willing to sit by her for 2 decades as a symbol of his feelings.
This act of love for his wife sends a powerful message to the world. If you make a commitment, stick with it. Divorce rates have been falling since 1996, but 41% is still too high (McKinley Irvin). Maybe Rocky’s story can help the divorce rate to continue to fall and American marriages to become healthier.
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2 comments:
JJ, very interesting blog post. I must say it is very touching to hear about this mans devotion. The one thing I wonder is why the divorce rate has risen so much in the past. It is fascinating though that they have kept this line in these vows knowing the current divorce rates these days.
3J, fine job blogging thus term, overall. This post ( and some others) , however, raise but do not always extend a topic. Many people divorce. One man didn't. What of it, your readers wonder. Don't circumstances matter? Is there a connection between $ and divorce, e.g.? How did you come to hear of R's story any way?
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