Reading your marriage life story was like pulling out my diary and putting it on paper. I've always thought you were my mind kin. For my situation, the years will be 54 since we first laid eyes on each other.
Every paragraph you included above was like turning the page of my diary, with an extra strong man on the other end. His love of family and ancestry is awesome. When you mentioned love of children and only want their well-being, I had to laugh as my husband and two daughters just returned from a weekend trip. It was as if the kids were 14 and 4 again. We lost our son twelve years ago.
What matters most to us know, as you say, peace and continued peace with the foolishness behind us. As we approach eighty (mid 70s for me), we've allowed them to take charge of our lives as we minimize and downsize our home. More concerted effort now as we prepare to move to another city with one of them next year.
Oh, and we've only had one master bed. Thanks so much for the wonderful history kin. Take care and have a lovely rest of your week.
RE: When Everything Falls Away in a Relationship, What Matters? Minimalist Prompt