Wow. I feel like I should clear my throat or something and step up to a microphone. Ahem. I want to welcome all of you who entered my blog through La Shawn Barber’s Corner. What a nice compliment she gave me. If you like my design, I sincerely hope you’ll click through the link to E. Webscapes and look at Lisa Sabin’s portfolio. I take absolutely no credit at all for her design work. I sent her my ideas in words, and she turned them into color and graphics. Simple as that. She’s one talented artist and has given me a wonderful place to express my voice in the blogosphere. (Thanks, Lisa!)

So, if you’ve come in here expecting some riveting political commentary, I have very little to offer you — sorry! I’m just a mid-30ish mom who loves to read, write, and connect with like-minded people. There’s nothing I’d rather talk about than books — so that’s what I do mostly. I promise that I’ll soon open my blog for comments. For now, you’re welcome to send me an email — I’d love to hear from you.

Well, since you’re here today (and I certainly hope you’ll return) — let me tell you about two of my biggest heroes. I can’t tell you their names; let’s just call them Bob and Sue. We had dinner with their family a few nights ago. This couple has been married over 40 years. They raised three children, all of whom excelled in school, developed a strong faith in God, and married people of good character. Now, Bob and Sue have seven grandchildren, with one more on the way — at least two from each of their children.

It hasn’t been easy for them. Bob discovered he had a serious form of cancer that rarely goes into remission. He had to retire early to take care of his health. And Sue needed to make radical changes to their diet and lifestyle. Well, he’s beat all the odds and has lived with the disease for over a decade. His story gives hope to many other cancer patients. Bob and Sue are truly a joy to be around.

When we left dinner that evening, I told my husband, “Now there’s a successful marriage.” They got married when they were young, in their 20s — like many people today. But it’s lasted over 40 years! What makes a good, strong marriage like that? How did they raise their kids to grow up so well, and to also value marriage and starting a family?

These people are my heroes.

I hate to complain — but magazine editors aren’t giving me many of these kinds of stories today. Who’s splashed across nearly every glossy cover? Celebrities. I’m sorry, but I’m not all that interested in celebrities! Sure, they’re beautiful people. I admire their talent, of course. But I’m not crazy about many of their lifestyles, and it’s VERY rare for a celebrity marriage to last 40+ years. Don’t you agree?

So, this is what matters to me. This is what I’m working toward as a wife, as a mom. I’m only heading into the second decade of marriage — so I still have much to learn.

How about you? Do you know anyone who’s been married four decades or more? Then start asking them questions — and let’s write some articles and books about people like this — our real heroes. Let’s give our kids something to hope for in this wacky, mixed-up world.

Some fairy tale weddings do end happily ever after. I want to hear about more of them.