Turning Silver Into Gold

Turning Silver into Gold was written for our 25th anniversary looking forward to the next 25 years together hence Turning Silver (25th) into Gold (50th anniversary). Even without the existence of a reflective ego, human life is a truly amazing phenomenon. Yet, with the addition of self-consciousness human life is even more incredible and meaningful. The very act of life becoming conscious of itself is a gift that we should never take for granted. Self-consciousness is a privilege and any moment spent blind to this gift is truly a missed opportunity.

Yet, without the presence of other conscious beings it is difficult to truly appreciate the world we live in, and what it means to be alive. Every person we meet and conversation we have provides further depth, perspective and diversity to our awareness and appreciation of the experience of life. While we could debate the level of consciousness of other life forms on the planet, our relationship and communication with everything from pets to trees has us feel both connected and empathetic. The preciousness of life is emphasized by the life span and development of every living thing. The more we know, feel and think just increases our intimacy and potential level of care for the entire life process.

Memory is the cornerstone of our sense of history. It it this personal history which provides the thread which gives our life consistency, meaning and intimacy. The more shared time we spend with someone the more entwined our histories become. Our shared experiences become pathways to love and intimacy in which I and you become we and us. A life partner becomes more than a companion documenting our life, but a coauthor of our existence. The connection is so strong that the boundaries of our lives become blurred and what we create together surpasses what we could have created as an individual. A partner becomes a second pair of eyes, ears and even a second skin by which to enrich your life.

A joke is twice as funny and a event is twice as touching and meaningful when you have someone to share it with. A partner’s presence insures that we will see things from more than one perspective which helps us to process and reflect on our experiences. The experience of life becoming conscious of itself is intensified by a marriage. Each passing year a couple has more shared history to recall and reflect upon, allowing us to savor the past and hold on to moments which would otherwise dissolve away.

Turning Silver into Gold is a recognition of all of these things and the gratitude I feel for having someone to help me appreciate the past and grow and develop into the future.

I cherish all that we create
Our endless conversation stimulates and soothes
Living beyond my dreams
Is still what you have me do