Marriage is often thought of as a union between two people, a lifelong journey where love and companionship serve as the foundation. For me, my marriage to Andrew Peter Batley was not just a commitment, but a profound experience that taught me some of life’s most precious lessonslessons that are still with me today.
A Love That Spanned the Globe
Married in 2014, Andrew and I were fortunate to share a beautiful, joyful life together. Our marriage was filled with adventure. We travelled the world, meeting incredible people along the way. These experiences, whether in bustling cities or quiet corners of the earth, deepened our connection and our understanding of each other. Every place we visited, every person we met, taught us something new about the world and about ourselves. It was in these moments that I came to understand the true essence of love.
The Art of Freedom in Love
One of the greatest lessons I learned from Andrew was that love is not about possession or control, but about freedom. In a world that often defines relationships by expectations and restrictions, our marriage was a beautiful contrast. We embraced the freedom to be ourselves no judgment, no pressure to conform to any mold. This freedom allowed our love to flourish.
It was Andy who taught me that the truest form of love is giving your partner the space to grow, to be free and to explore their own path. When you truly love someone, you honor their independence, knowing that by allowing them to be free, you create room for an even stronger bond.
The Power of Listening and Silence in Conflict
Andrew also taught me the importance of listening not just with my ears, but with my heart. As he often reminded me, we have one mouth and two ears, a reminder that we should listen more than we speak. Listening allowed us to understand each other on a deeper level and helped us navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise in any relationship.
When times were difficult, it wasn’t always about speaking. Sometimes, it was about the quiet moments between us, the silences that spoke volumes. It’s in these moments that we learned to forgive, to let go and to embrace peace in the midst of disagreement.
Embracing Life’s Cycles
Our journey together also introduced me to the powerful concept of life’s never-ending cycles. Andrew taught me the art of meditation, and with it, the profound understanding that life has no clear beginning or end. Instead, it’s a continuous flow; a cycle of growth, change and renewal. We are all part of this cycle, and our connection to each other and to the world is infinite.
This understanding has helped me embrace the transient nature of life, especially in the face of loss. While Andrew’s life on this earth came to an end in 2020 due to cancer, the love and wisdom he shared with me continues to guide me. The cycle of life continues, and his spirit lives on in the lessons he imparted to me.
Giving Back and Honoring All Voices
Another important lesson Andrew and I shared was the belief in giving back to society. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger contributions, we found purpose in serving others. Our journey taught us that no act of kindness is too small and every voice matters whether loud or quiet, whether in the spotlight or in the shadows.
Even in the most marginalized corners of society, there are stories to be heard. Everyone has something to teach us and honoring those voices was something Andrew practiced daily.
