"Remember when we were like that"

A relationship is successful because of the individuals that comprise it.

At the center core, each one must want to be a part of the inner circle. Outside those perimeters, it's mostly about verbal communication, openness to be willing to communicate and talk about things, keep up a conservation, keep each other interested, throw in a few curve balls here and there, laugh at each others jokes, get to know the "whole" person and not just the looks or first impression, that at the end of the day still be able to make a rational decision.

I believe that chemistry develops over time, and that social interaction, family values, work ethic, family upbringing, and individual characteristics play an important role in the relationship also.

29 years ago seems like an eternity, when you put it into context. In less than a minute, that's all it would take for these newly weds to lock into a union for the rest of their lives. In almost every circumstance, it takes even longer to get out of it. "I do"

Surviving through the reception party and off to England, they were arguably at each others throat, contemplating on how such a union would last more than a day, a week, even a month. A year later they would be giving birth to a daughter. As every day went by, the two would focus on the big picture, putting the "foolishness" behind them. I understand now why they did what they did when they did. It's a day that the son/daughter become the parent, and the parent of the parent looks back upon the upbringing with smiles and tears. After all, that is their creation.

In defining success, its important to know the difference between growth and sustainability. Growth is simply a measurement between a starting point, where you were, and an ending point, where you are. Some people can see their future or goals and ambitions in life, and set a path to take them there. Others reach the top of the mountain, say they did it, and that's all they wanted to do in life. If you can look back upon your life, where you were and where you are, certainly there are things you would have done differently, maybe in a different order, but nonetheless, you have learned from your weaknesses, which has only made you that much stronger.