16 Comments
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Teddy Diggs's avatar

What an inspiring symbol, and story, and marriage. Even if fused, ropes can unravel from stress or neglect or both. Congrats to you two on 46 years of learning & knowing how to stay happily intwined.

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Teddy. I love your observation. You're absolutely right. Ropes may be joined together, but they still require care and attention over the years. The learning never really ends. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your perspective. - CW

Barb Smith's avatar

Beautiful. Love is love regardless of religious encumbrance. The human heart knows the value of what the rope symbolizes. ❤️

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Barb. I think that's one reason the image stayed with me all these years. While it was presented within a religious ceremony, the symbolism feels much larger than that. The idea of helping one another carry life's burdens speaks to something deeply human. I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. - CW

Maria Anderson's avatar

That Protestant minister knew how to reach the heart of the matter with extraordinary simplicity. That resonates with me…Beautiful reflection on your life together… not always easy, but it appears from your words, well worth it. Thank you for this.

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Maria. I think that's exactly why those few words stayed with me all these years. The minister captured something profound in such a simple image. At the time, I understood it only as part of our wedding ceremony. Decades later, I understand it very differently. Life together has certainly had its challenges, but the rope remains a reminder that we don't have to carry everything alone. Thank you for your thoughtful reflection and for sharing the piece with your readers. - CW

Kathy Moniz's avatar

Wonderful writing of something so special!

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Kathy. Sometimes the smallest memories end up carrying the biggest meanings. I'm glad I was finally able to put this one into words, and I appreciate your kind comments.-CW

bob peckham's avatar

Wow! What a wonderful example, thank you for sharing.

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Bob. I was drawn to the symbolism of the rope even as a young bride, though I probably understood it much better years later. I'm glad the story resonated with you. - CW

Ellen Lowell's avatar

Thanks for sharing you beautiful story, what a great tradition, wonder if it is done today ? You have a very good memory of your wedding, ours is kind of a blur if I am being honest, obviously something has held us together for 56 years, but not anything like your rope. Is today your wedding anniversary ? If so, congratulations and good wishes for a wonderful day of celebrating

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Ellen. Yes, June 1st was our 46th wedding anniversary, and Paul and I spent it on a little road trip through central Portugal. I honestly don't know whether the rope tradition is still practiced today, but I like to think the symbolism endures even if the custom has faded.

And congratulations on 56 years! Perhaps you and your husband have your own version of the rope, even if it isn't something you can point to. Sometimes the things that hold us together are so woven into everyday life that we don't even notice them until we stop and reflect. - CW

Mary's avatar

Thanks for sharing your story. I have been to your home many times and have never seen the rope. I'll be on the lookout the next time around.

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Mary. It’s funny how something can sit in plain sight for years and then suddenly take on a completely different meaning. Next time you visit, I’ll make sure to point it out. - CW

Marie B.'s avatar

This was lovely, thank you for sharing.

Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Thank you, Marie. I’m glad it resonated with you. It was one of those pieces that had been sitting quietly in my thoughts for a long time before I finally wrote it. - CW