I grew up around many long-term marriages. My parents were married almost 65 years before my mother passed away. My sister and her husband, 35 years before she passed away. My husband and I are in our 33rd year of marriage. I could name many, many more.

Is marriage "always" 100% happy and perfect and easy? Heck no. A long-term marriage will see births and deaths, illnesses and financial struggles. That's life. Strong marriages last because of a commitment to work together through whatever obstacles occur. Strong marriages last because, despite everything that can go wrong, at its root, there is a respect and love and commitment to that relationship that transcends those struggles.