Opportunities for Intimacy
John
Over the years, Julie and I have had many opportunities for intimacy – to experience a much greater sense of “into-me-see.” We’re not talking about physical intimacy where we share our bodies, but rather emotional intimacy where we share our hearts and souls. Grabbing onto these opportunities has strengthened our relationship and given it richness, new life, and deeper meaning.
Julie
A few weeks ago, we went through the most remarkable experience. John and I became grandparents exactly 32 years to the day after we became parents. People have been telling us for months, “You’re going to love it! It’s the best!” ” And wow, were they ever right.
I love John deeply and dearly. I love our kids, our families, and our friends. Holding our sleeping grandson in my arms for the first time, I felt an entirely new kind of love, an almost indescribable feeling that seemed infinite and perfect and pure all rolled into one. As John put his arm around me holding our grandson, there was an intimacy between us that we had never experienced before. Time stood still. It was a moment 59 years in the making, and I never wanted it to end.
JOHN
On the day our grandson was born, Julie and I waited at the hospital all day and night with our two daughters. When our son burst into the room announcing “He’s here! And he’s perfect!” our hearts overflowed with indescribable joy and mutual love. As we shared smiles and hugs all around, Julie and I locked eyes across the room. I was deeply struck by the unbounded love that she has for our family, and really everyone in our lives. It was a moment of increased emotional intimacy for us even as we were surrounded by our kids. I had seen another window into Julie’s soul, and she into mine as we stepped into this new role. And the conversations we had over the next few days were filled with such great joy!
JULIE
Becoming a grandparent with John changed our relationship forever. Watching John interact so tenderly and lovingly with our grandson, I fall in love with him all over again. When he tears up trying to tell someone about our grandson’s birth, I am reminded of his tender heart and my own heart melts. And when I describe to him the bliss I experience as I rock our grandson and sing him lullabies, my bliss becomes his. There is a new strand in the invisible bond between us, one that has made our love for each other even stronger and more beautiful. It is fueled by the emotional intimacy created by this most joyful of events.
Our journey into grandparenthood has presented us with an opportunity for intimacy that took us both by surprise – but we grabbed onto that opportunity and as a result, our emotional intimacy skyrocketed. I look forward to sharing many more intimate moments with John as our family grows.
JOHN
We invite you to recognize opportunities for intimacy in your relationship, whether it is watching a sunset together, dancing in the kitchen while making dinner, or just holding hands as you walk around the block. Grab these opportunities with all your might, savor them, and let them take root. Each new life experience opens a door to increased intimacy. We encourage you to walk right through it!
