There were only two of them. One rogue went after Red and her
grandmother, while the other, a renegade cross dresser, hung out with the
sheep hoping for a quick and easy meal. Together they have given wolves a
bad name and an image that is undeserved. Most men take it in stride when women call them
wolves, and some even wear the title as an illustrious bade of honor.
Although some sensitive new age men may take offense at being called
a wolf, I
take it as a great compliment. Wolves are loyal. They travel in families,
not packs. They care for their young and they watch out for each
other. And, most important, they mate for life.
To hear the experts tell it, mating for life is
something that doesn't happen too often anymore. We have been told the
average working person can expect to have three or four careers before
retirement. If you listen to these experts, it seems we will also have
just as many spouses.
I have no explanations for the busy days divorce
lawyers put in, nor do I offer any sociological theories as to why the
lines are so long at their doors. I do offer some thoughts, though, about
some of the wolf couples out there who are doing their best to prove the
experts wrong.
Like most of us, I know friends and relatives who have
had their marriages go bad and end in divorce. I know more, however, whose
marriages are going strong and are getting better every day. These friends
take vows seriously. "In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for
better or worse" aren't just words you utter on the way to the reception.
They have meaning.
The wolves just may be on to something. Mating for
life, becoming a part of a community, and working to make things better,
are all good things.
My best friend, Jennifer, and I have had many special
moments to celebrate over the fifteen years we have known each other. We
have another one today. She and her husband, Brian, will be celebrating
their 10th wedding anniversary and I am excited and happy for both of
them.
I have other friends who are also celebrating double
digit anniversaries, along with eight co-workers who will all be getting
married over the next two or three
months.
There are many wolf couples out there who know that
things that are worthwhile take time and hard work. There is an effort to
be made each day. The effort is but a small price to pay for the
enrichment that comes from it.
So to my friends and coworkers, to Jennifer and Brian,
and to all the wolf couples of the world, I offer this toast, whether it
is your first or 101st anniversary.
It's great to see you prove the experts wrong and
equally as great to see you keep alive a noble wolf tradition. May you
live as long as you want, may you never want as long as you live, and may
your days together always be filled with Love, Peace, and
Happiness.
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