How marriage is the same as driving the Sechelt Peninsula to or from Powell River
Powtown Post is excited to introduce a new author, Nancy Dietrich. Nancy moved from Vancouver to Powell River 23 years ago, with her husband and two children. She has never looked back since! She loves the lake, the ocean, and the people. We have a feeling you’re going to love Nancy’s humour.
Saltery Bay – Photo by the BC Ministry of Transportation on Flickr
With my 30th wedding anniversary approaching, I began to think about what marriage, especially a long marriage, really is all about.
Some call it a journey, and for us in Powell River, marriage is exactly like the journey down the Peninsula to catch the Langdale ferry.
When you think about marriage, when you think of that trip–think about this.
You set off, the two of you, hopeful, and with baggage. Like marriage; there are always surprises, schedule changes, and the reality of overload.
Earl’s Cove – Photo by Roland Tanglao on Flickr
Optimistically, you travel the path, most times with nothing in front of you, however, soon the winding begins, and others get in the way. Some parts are pretty impassable, and some parts you can be a bit stuck.
Throughout the journey, there will always be nicer vehicles, better-dressed persons, and better-behaved kids.
Sometimes you just want to eat and drink all the way through it. Other times, you need to stop, and just be sick.
There are days when it is beautiful, it makes you smile. There are days you want to sleep through it, curse through it, or grit your teeth.
Highway 101 in Sechelt – Photo by the Province of British Columbia on Flickr
A long marriage means familiarity, habit. On the peninsula, the turns, potholes, and wooden signs are so well known, that reactions are automatic and behaviour predictable.
Every now and then, all you hear is static.
The journey becomes about many things; on occasion the ride ahead is about worry or grief, sickness or health, and there are times you are going to celebrate and party.
Sometimes,”it” is just a game.
There will be an argument, probably some, mostly about which way to go, and like marriage, at times, shortcuts turn out to be anything but.
Langday Ferry Terminal – Photo by Sébastien Launay on Flickr
You may have a ride along. Or two. Usually known as kids or older parents.
They will constantly change up the trip routine, mess with the schedule, and make you stop and start all the time.
Sometimes you sing, sometimes you close your eyes.
Sometimes, things break down and you have to fix it.
The ferry in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Photo by JamesZ_Flickr
In the end, you feel grateful, blessed, and content. You just want to sit on the car deck, put your feet up, and be with the one person in the world that makes the trip worthwhile.
Oh, and to be truly happy, you need to get on board!
Nancy Dietrich
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