Ever have one of those “uh-oh” moments when you realize you’re about to make a big mistake? Maybe you were tempted to throw your engagement ring into a river, before realizing that you really do love your fiancée? Or, how about throwing away a long-standing relationship because things have soured a little? That’s what happened to Lee and Jan Jones, of Britain. After 20 years of marriage, they decided to call it quits, only to realize that you just can’t throw away this type of love, despite the problems that come with it.
The Bad Economy and Love
Like so many other couples during this recession, the Jones had experienced severe financial problems that affected their marital happiness. While the marriage vows do include the phrase “for richer or for poorer,” many couples are finding the financial stress of this economy unbearable and unlike anything experienced in the past. Just like the Great Depression tore families apart, the Great Recession is having a similar impact on the relationship decisions people are making every day. As the Jones found out, the decision to stay together for love, despite money issues, is one that comes from the heart and not the head or the pocketbook. However, the decision surprised even them!
The Economy Can Tear Families Apart
Raising children, the rising cost of health care, food, and the loss of stable or full-time employment, leaves many families in the lurch, unable to care for their own and facing impossible financial predicaments. As the Jones experienced in raising 10 children, with ages ranging from 1 to 23, during a poor economy, it is a path full of financial stress, despite it’s potential for joy. After significant struggle, the Jones finally decided the best course of action was to divorce. Having gone through all the negotiations to finalize their divorce, the Jones each received a copy of their divorce papers only to each have a change of heart. It’s a good thing Jan Jones didn’t throw out her engagement ring, as it seems she’ll have further use for it now. Instead of getting divorced, they decided to remarry and count their many blessings. Just a few moments from signing the divorce papers, love won out and instead, they planned a new wedding to celebrate the commitment to their marriage – for richer or for poorer – with all their children present.
Counting Their Blessings
As a romantic statement, the couple decided on a Christmas Eve wedding. With their 10 children present as the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the couple had their second wedding on December 24th, Christmas Eve, as planned. With 25 guest presents, including their children, Jan strolled down the aisle wearing a pink, strapless, wedding gown. The bridal party was dressed in butterscotch-colored gowns. Even as other couples struggle with their financial issues during a sour economy, the Jones couple serves as a happy note about the power of love and the ideal of commitment through bad and good times. While the couple may still experience money problems, it’s now more certain that, at least in their case, love really does conquer all.