As a young girl, I believed in fairy tales especially the love stories that ended with “Happily Ever After.” In my young mind, it just effortlessly happened. I observed my parents and knew they were in love and had deep respect for one another. This brought great stability to my life. I was happy, social, and thriving. Unfortunately, when I was 11 years old, my father (and hero) passed away unexpectantly at the age of 39 which shattered my world for a time. As hard as it was on me, it was more heartbreaking to see my mom go through this loss as a single mother of four young children. The one thing that was certain and brought me comfort and peace then as it still does now, is that my dad loved my mom and they honored their marriage vows and were happy together. When I was dating and contemplating marriage, I received a piece of advice I have never forgotten. He said, “The very best thing you can do for your future family is to love your husband.” At the time, I didn’t know how much I would come to treasure these words of wisdom. My husband and I recently celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. Over the years together, we have experienced a wide range of joy, happiness, laughter, trials, heartache, and tears. Though far from perfect, through it all, our love and commitment to one another has been unfailing. Our focus has been on strengthening the bonds within our family and keeping an eternal perspective. It hasn’t been easy but it has definitely been worth it. We have been blessed with good parents who have been great examples to us about what a healthy and happy marriage is and the meaning it brings to the family. I am aware of many, some very close to me, that are in troubled relationships. It pains me to see their struggles. Sadly, many marriages will end in divorce, sometimes it is inevitable. However, I love the counsel given by one of our church leaders, Dallin H. Oaks. He states, “A good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to striving together toward perfection." If both are willing to put selfishness aside and look for ways to lift and love, efforts will not go unnoticed and often relationships can be strengthened. In the world we live in today, there is a wide variation on what marriage is. It seems the traditional definition has been lost and the sanctity of marriage has been trampled. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to have a prophet and apostles on the earth to help us navigate through the myriad of opinions and beliefs about marriage. “The Family, A Proclamation to the World,” states, “Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” It is not my intent to brag or boast. I simply am grateful for my circumstances and those that have been an example to me. It is my hope to share a few insights and lessons learned that might benefit someone else. I am grateful for those who have taught and mentored me in my life. Through the years of my marriage, I have learned that “Happily Ever After” doesn’t just happen. It requires work, commitment, respect, service, selflessness, and love. As we put in the effort our lives will be deeply enriched and well as the lives of our families.