This particular Valentine's Day prompts me to express something I’ve wanted to shout from the rooftops for awhile now.
I realize more and more that late love can be just as romantic as young love. And I think what makes it especially precious is that you realize -- truly, truly realize -- that you cannot take romance, or life, for granted.
When you reach the later years of your life you probably have lost dear ones, so older love has a bittersweet texture which intensifies every hand-hold, every silly word you share, every giggle or nibble or love note or stolen hug or kiss.
And yes, there are kisses, and more. The physical side of older love can still be beautiful -- often tossed aside with a nasty “ewww” by younger folks who have no idea, or by late-night comedians and ridiculous, demeaning greeting cards. And late love, in its own way, can be as passionate as at any time of your life.
Wrinkles and flab and scars are the realities of years fully lived. But there is always romantic candlelight, and the music you remember and dance to, holding each other close. Hands and eyes ever appreciate the beauty of a curve and a smile. And soft lips, and soft words caress more sweetly.
And yes, the wonders of science are there if needed (and by the way, they aren't, always!).
Oh the joy of experience -- knowing what you like and communicating to each other. And the tendency in later years is to give more and take more as well, in part because there is more time to spend doing so. Slow can be exquisite.
When I married my high school sweetheart at the innocent age of 21 we learned together, and fumbled around expecting the moon. But now, two marriages later and in the privilege of late love, I find compassion as well as passion. Acceptance, appreciation, grace and joy are qualities that I have been lucky enough to age into.
Older love is not a comedian's punchline. Late romance is something to hope for. And if you are lucky enough to experience it, to cherish until the horizon of Valentine’s Days.
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And Mary, I've spent many VDs on my own and found late love unexpectedly. I'm just glad I waited for someone worth waiting for. You never know. Really.
Lovely, Lea. Thank you for this~r
HUGGG
Alas, too true--but then, sometimes love comes in the oddest packages from the weirdest places at times you never expected or hoped for.
So it's equally important to recognize it when it does, b/c love is love: no matter from whom or whence it comes, it's just as valid and equally redeeming.
Happy Valentine's Day.
And Buffy is another great example of what I'm writing about, finding love again in her 60s.
rated with love
I don't exactly love it, this growing old business...but it's not the worst thing that's happened to me. ;)
Rated for romance
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Kenneth Houck
And Kenneth, that is an especially beautiful comment,
Lezlie
Happy Valentine's day, kiddo.
We often talk about the "what-if" of had we met when we were young. We end up laughing and declaring that in all probility neither of us would have survived that "adventure". We just happened to meet when the time was right for both of us to get the most out of our love.
Awesome.
--r--
(Random sidenote: more men should take gingko biloba. It's great for circulation and penile function. In short, there's a natural substance that's great for guys, in place of some toxic pill.)
Happy Valentine's Day, dear Lea!
Thanks, Lea. Spot on.
Rated!