Richard and Micky

I saw Richard and Micky in a playground we ventured out to at the beginning of the pandemic. They were there with their grandkids, all of us silently frightened behind masks but still needing other humans. Richard did most of the talking while Micky nodded and laughed next to him. They had been married for 52 years. They loved being married, however if you want to find them at any wedding they will be the ones by the door waiting to leave! Even at their own wedding, Richards mom said!
“ You better not leave!” she had told them.
Before we parted ways to keep eyes on kids I asked what their secret was to this seemingly happy marriage.
“Communication, respect and putting the other first.” Mickey said. “People are too self absorbed these days, they grow bored of each other too quickly.” Little did we realize then how much the next year was going to test that theory.