I’ve learned a ton of life lessons from my grandparents. Through them, I learned how to cook, how to “make somethin’ outta nothin’” and how to always make time for family. Most importantly, my grandparents taught me so many lessons that have to do with love. My grandparents have been married for over 30 years. Over the course of their marriage, my granny developed polymyositis. Polymyositis is a disease that causes muscle weakness on both sides of your body. The disease left my granny unable to walk, and she can only move her arms the slightest bit on her own. As a result, my granny is solely dependent upon my granda for most things. The amount of love and sacrifice in their relationship could inspire anyone. They’ve taught me a number of things about love, and that is why my Granny and Granda are my relationship goal.

Love requires sacrifice.

Due to my granny’s condition, my granda is responsible for taking care of her. When I say taking care of her, I really do mean complete and total care. He makes sure that she bathes, he brushes her teeth, he washes her face—everything. My granda is my granny’s sole caretaker. Having that much responsibility obviously comes with great sacrifice. My granda ensures that my granny is okay every second of the day, even if that means having to sacrifice some of the things he wants to do. And best of all, he does it without complaint or hesitation.

Love should not be hindering.

Although my granny’s mobility is limited, my granda still allows her to do her own thing. He isn’t constantly hovering over her, making sure she doesn’t have to lift a finger. Instead, he lets her do what she can and only steps in when she asks for his help. Even with her condition, he allows her to do what she can for herself.

Love should be shameless.

As I said before, my grandparents have been married for over 30 years, so it’s safe to assume that they have seen the best and absolute worst of one another. Although my granny is usually easily embarrassed (by almost anything), it seems as though those feelings disappear when it comes to my granda. They are truly their most authentic selves when they are with one another.

Love should be easy.

Effortless. That’s what I think of when I think about the love my grandparents have for one another. They seem to be just as much best friends as they are spouses. Togetherness is key in their relationship. They laugh together, and although I’ve never seen it, I’m sure they’ve cried together. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen love look so easy.

Love is patient.

Patience is a virtue in any relationship, but it is especially important when one of the partners is completely dependent on the other. My granda is extremely patient with my granny and every one of her needs. In return, through all of my granda’s teasing and joking, my granny is just as patient.

Love should always include God.

Always. If you ask me, this point is indisputable. My granda is a preacher at a Church of Christ, so naturally, God is proactive in my grandparents’ marriage. Through constant praying, teaching and studying, my grandparents strive to include God in their relationship each and every day. God is the glue that holds them together.

“And a three-strand cord is not easily broken.”

At the end of the day, I am grateful for each and everything my grandparents have taught me. The person I am today is because of them, and I hope to continue to have as much love, laughter and sacrifice in my relationship as they have in theirs. Thank you, Evelyn and Don. I love y’all.