Wealth Is Not About Money

By Sheryl Kurland

            One recent afternoon I was visiting with Ed and Maxine, one of the couples in my book, Everlasting Matrimony.  They are quite down-to-earth people, have tremendous gusto, and still act like high-school kids in love.  Like any long-married couple in a fulfilling relationship, their life story has had innumerable ups and downs.  A week prior to our visit, Ed physically experienced a down when he fainted upon exiting his doctor's office and tumbled down 9 stairs.  He was alone, but fortunately others saw him and called 911.  Ed was taken by ambulance to the Trauma Unit of the closest hospital, and although he was bruised badly, a guardian angel must have been with him because he had no broken bones or major injuries.  The afternoon of my visit, Ed, Maxine and I sat around their kitchen table and chatted.  I tried not to stare at his black eye and collage of bruises as he replayed the mishap to me.  His wife sat in the chair next to him and held his hand.  Despite the horrific event, somehow they were full of laughter!  Our conversation drifted to discussion about the years of charity work he has done for a myriad of causes and organizations.  He said I've never had much money.  I'm not rich.  What money I've earned, I've always enjoyed giving away what I can to others in need.  Without pause, the following words flowed from my mouth: You are rich.  Look at the two of you.  You have what many people never experience in a lifetime.  You are very, very rich.  You have wealth beyond measure. 

            Sometimes it's difficult to feel satisfied and proud of what you do have when you look around and see so many couples who spend, spend, spend on objects and materialistic things that people hoard today.  Are they rich?  We all know couples who seemed to have it all and ended up in divorce court.

            Rich is having someone in your life who appreciates your wonderful qualities and vice-versa.  Rich is being able to close your eyes and picture a person who is special to you beyond words.  Rich is feeling his or her embrace whether or not they are actually in your presence.

            If you find yourself feeling forlorn or, perhaps, envious of others because they have a fancier car, designer clothes, a bigger home, more of this or that.....take a step back and remind yourself how truly wealthy you are simply because you have each other!
 

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Sheryl Kurland is author of the elegant coffee-table book Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More.  Perfect for an engagement, wedding or anniversary gift, Everlasting Matrimony can be purchased at www.everlastingmatrimony.com.