Categorized | Editorial

Local Perspective: EDITORIAL

Celebrating Love & a Simpler Life — A Revisit

Andrew Curry, Jr. and Lillian Curry – Married for 76 years.
*Photo Courtesy of Yvonne Curry

They did it for love. Let’s face it, we live in an age of disposable marriages. A woman I knew whose daughter was getting married told me advice she gave her daughter before her wedding. When the minister said, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? If you have doubts, just say, ‘No,’ and we’ll just have a big party at the reception and I’ll go with you on the honeymoon vacation.”

Apparently the woman did not care for her daughter’s choice of a husband and could not care less about the money spent.

How many people, especially some celebrities have been so in love with their future spouses and ended up being married for just a hot minute before divorcing?

This editorial is dedicated to Mr. Andrew Curry, Jr. and his lovely bride, Lillian who were married for 76 years. Mr. Curry recently passed away at the age of 98 leaving behind his loving wife, Lillian, 3 sons, 2 daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It is refreshing to know that true love exists and people do not throw in the towel over minor disappointments. It’s called working it out.

As I have mentioned in a previous editorial, I was fortunate to grow up in a home where my parents showed love and respect for each other, even through minor disagreements.

When the minister came to offer prayers at the viewing service for Mr. Curry, he could not believe that he was 98. He thought that he looked like he was in his mid-70’s.

That’s what happens when you’re in a loving relationship which probably helped him keep a youthful appearance.

Growing up, Mr. & Mrs. Curry were our neighbors and a few years younger than my parents. They always had a pleasant disposition and always looked very happy to be in each other’s company. They loved walking together almost every day.

I grew up in a time when you  knew your neighbors – not only on your block, but on the surrounding blocks around you, too.

Before strip malls became popular, they were once neighborhood parks where many activities took place. This is why kids of all different ethnic groups became friends because these parks brought them all together. The funny thing is that we never thought about skin color or ethnicity or religion back then, because of the activities that the park teachers had planned for us.

I remember our local Diary Queen would have a hula-hoop contest and the winner would have a choice of whatever free ice cream they wanted.

Games were simpler back then, and didn’t cost an arm and a leg to pay for them. I would love for pinball machines to make a comeback.

Remember the time people actually talked to each other when they are in a room together instead of constantly looking at their cell phone to text someone that is sitting across the room from them?

I have a habit of downloading YouTube videos of songs I grew up listening to when I was in my 20’s & 30’s. I always  look a the comments that people make about the songs I just listened to. It warms my heart when you have teenagers of today who prefer the music of their parents.

Personally, I think it’s a shame when you have to have a warning on a record because of profanity which may not be appropriate for certain age groups. There are actually songs that have two versions, which one is listed as a “clean version.” How many of those songs will last the test of time?

This is a testament to the love of Andrew and Lillian Curry whose love stood the test of time, because they simply married for love – true love. C.M.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400