People are so cynical about marriage. They call their spouse their "starter wife" or "starter husband." They walk down the aisle knowing "if it doesn't work out, I can always get divorced." They're postponing marriage or putting it off completely.

But once upon a time, "till death do us part" really meant something.

ELISE: When my husband proposed, he was attending seminary. My answer was, "No way!" I didn't want to be a minister's wife and live that kind of life. However, after a couple of weeks of persuasion, I said yes.

We've had 67 years together. We've had an interesting life and a lot of love. There have been bumps along the way, of course. One of the bumps was the Korean War when my husband enlisted in the Army. He felt he couldn't accept his exemption while young men from his church were going. That was our one and only separation.

We have five children who look out for us daily via email, phone calls and visits. We're both active in community and church. This past weekend, my sister and her family were going to drive five hours to spend some time with us. However, the roads became impassable and they had to return home.

I had planned delicious meals for us. Since they weren't here to enjoy them, I invited my neighbors and we had a grand party.

ELLEN: My husband of 32 years and I fell for each other quickly and got engaged. We made plans for a December wedding, but his father was in a terrible car accident and we postponed it. His father got his artificial leg and was able to dance at our wedding.

I didn't want an engagement ring, so I got two tickets to Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA tour and a bowling ball.

We have two grown, college-educated children, and our first grandchild is on the way. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Maui, with a two-week stay at a beachfront condo. We still laugh, go to concerts, hold hands and love each other.

MARCY: I went to a wedding reception Oct. 1, 1965, at my mother's insistence. I didn't know anyone who would be there, other than a girl who worked with the bride. When I got there, she asked me if I'd like to meet her husband's cousin. I thought to myself, "Here we go again!" Someone was always trying to pair me up with their brother, nephew or friend.

After meeting Ray, I knew he was everything I had ever prayed for, even though he was Polish and I'm Italian. We spent the evening together and had a great time. He asked me out the next day and we've been together ever since.

Ray proposed on Oct. 31, 1965. It was a wonderful day. First we saw a movie. We went bowling and I beat him. I figured he'd never ask me out again. Just then, he proposed.

We were married July 7, 1966. We live in the same house we moved into three days after our wedding. We have three children and four grandchildren and our feelings are as strong as ever.

What do you do if you hate the person your child is dating and thinking of marrying? Send your thoughts, along with your questions and rants to [email protected]. And check out my new ebook, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front."

Photo credit: ?? ?