"It is said that nothing wears as well as old love. I do believe that old love wears best and is a blessing to behold in all its enduring splendour. When man and wife can travel through life and approach their death still holding hands and still holding on to those shared values that they set out with all those years ago, they have achieved all that is attainable through mutual affection and faithful attendance to each other's needs.
Such a journey can only be made in love and sustained through a constancy of purpose. Also vital in running the long race is a trust of a partner's judgement in all things and faith in their capacity to deal truthfully and sensitively with their soul mate's needs and desires. A sense of humour is essential, along with hugs, holding hands and the occasional caress of surprise.
The last memory we are left with of our soul mate is often the one that the mind never forgets. Never leave the house or return without first kissing your partner. We may be just popping across the road, but none of us ever know for certain that we will make it back! Never allow a day to start or end when you fail to tell your partner that you love them, and never to go to bed on an unresolved argument. Last, but by no means least, if you want to have a good life together, such can only be achieved by being able to have a laugh together, have an honest discussion, have the compassion and understanding to forgive, and always have a care never to step on their dreams." William Forde: November 26th, 2017.