An Eternal Surprise for the Couple

Brandon and Kathy had finally opened the gift box and were now staring at what they got inside. What was the surprise all about? There were a couple of wine glasses as well as money for dinner. There was a note along with it that asked the couple to go and get a pizza or anything else they loved to eat. She gave all her love to the then newlywed. This was for Kathy. Brandon got some cash so that he could pamper his wife as much as he wants.

Aunt Alison left a note for him that instructed him to get a bottle of wine and some flowers to impress her. Aside from these, Aunt Alison also gifted them a bath kit so that they could bask in its aroma and spend some romantic moments. Brandon and Kathy were completely overwhelmed.

A Thank You was Long Overdue

For so many years, Brandon and Kathy assumed that the box had gifts to save their marriage. That was an old trick many people applied. Therefore, the couple thought the box would save them. They even accepted that the box did save their marriage to a certain extent. That was what Kathy revealed later on. They were nervous while unboxing the gift.

After the wonderful surprise they received from Aunt Alison, they realized that it was finally time to send her a Thank You that was long due. As per the couple, the box gave them much beyond what Aunt Wilson had wanted to gift them. It was precious from all angles. The couple had to confess that the gift which was kept aside for almost a decade turned out to be the most priceless gift they received at their wedding.

Their Realization

Brandon and Kathy didn’t forget to thank Aunt Alison from the bottom of their hearts. They also let her know how priceless the gifts were and how close it was to their hearts. Kathy explained why the couple finally decided to open the box. They realized a lot of things about their marriage and the depth of their partnership.

If they would have unboxed the gift right after their first disagreement, they wouldn’t have realized the worth of the present that Aunt Wilson had given them. They kept on pushing the day of opening the box and relied on themselves and their strong bond to overcome any difference or argument between them. Kathy and Brandon realized that the key to a happy and successful marriage was not in the box, but with them. This was a revelation that none of them would ever forget. 

Enough Time to Choose the Perfect Wedding Gift

After you receive the invitation card with Save the Date written on it, you get enough time before the actual wedding date to choose the perfect present for the bride and the groom. One night, Brandon and Kathy, a soon-to-be-wed duo from Michigan, made up their minds to sit together and brainstorm about the perfect wedding gift. So, after their children went off to sleep, they got themselves a glass of wine and while spending some time together on the deck outside, the duo started a conversation about the upcoming marital union of their friends.

The lovebirds were finally settling down in holy matrimony and it was an exciting moment for not only them but for Brandon and Kathy as well. The two were eagerly looking forward to the big day.  The wedding was about to happen in Kalamazoo, where they met and attended college. It was indeed going to be a nostalgic moment.

 

It Was Something from Uncle Bill

Aunt Alison was married to Uncle Bill and was married for five decades before he breathed his last in 2004. Aunt Alison informed Brandon and Kathy that nothing perishable or time-sensitive was present inside the box. Now the couple started wondering if it was a gift from Uncle Bill and Aunt Alison’s marriage. If that would have been the case, the couple knew that it would make them emotional.

Perhaps it wasn’t a gift, but something really special that Alison and Bill wanted to share with the then newlyweds, thinking it would make them feel special and help them to overcome any obstacle they might encounter in their married life. Now the question arises is why did Brandon and Kathy not open the box despite knowing the fact that the gift contained something from their beloved uncle. What was the reason?

Strolling Down Memory Lane

Their friends were going to tie the knot and thus begin a partnership for a lifetime. That was indeed a joyous moment for Brandon and Kathy. But that’s not the only reason why they were overjoyed. They were going back to a place that has many memories for the duo. Years ago, Kathy and Brandon met each other at Kalamazoo.

As the place had been selected as the wedding venue, the couple had other reasons to feel the nostalgia, go back to those good old times, and live those moments once more. Therefore, it was pretty obvious that they would want to choose the perfect wedding gift for their friends. Brandon and Kathy were sitting on the deck with a glass of wine to savor. That would have indeed been a romantic night, had not the couple unveiled a gift from their wedding that they had never opened over the last decade. 

A Gift That was Not Opened for a Decade

While the two were recalling their moments - how they met, how they fell in love, how they got married, and so on, Brandon and Kathy started reminiscing about their wedding gifts. While trying to figure out the most meaningful wedding present they received on their wedding day, their eyes fell on a gift that was kept on the top of their closet.

Surprisingly, the couple never opened it since the time they walked down the aisle, i.e. 10 years back. Now that the gift had caught their imagination, Brandon and Kathy were more than eager to find out what was inside. But you might be thinking why the hell the two had kept this present away and allowed dust to envelop it. They were instructed not to open it. 

Their Big Day

Brandon and Kathy took the plunge in 2007. Their wedding ceremony was attended by their friends and family, almost 300 of them. They took vows to stick to each other for eternity in front of them, no matter what they go through in their lives. After becoming man and wife, the couple started living together and welcomed their adorable kids into their family after a certain period. Their wedding was a beautiful affair that took place in Jackson, Michigan.

They received some unique gifts from the attendees and some special ones also. However, the most special one they received was from Alison, the great aunt of Kathy. That was the one that had been sitting on the top of the closet for so many years. Was it the right time to open it? Well, Brandon and Kathy were intrigued to find out what was in store for them.

What Did the Gift Look Like?

The gift they received from Aunt Alison was unique in every aspect. One wouldn’t see such a presentation in any other wedding gift. The then newlyweds were elated to have this gift from her. It was a white box that had an envelope on it. Now how is that unique, you would ask? Almost all wedding gifts are packed this way, isn’t it? What mattered, in this case, is Aunt Alison’s writing on the envelope.

She had addressed the couple and wrote something which prevented Brandon and Kathy to unwrap it for so many years. The duo had decided to stick to what Aunt Alison had instructed them. But now they somehow felt that they should open the gift and check what Aunt Alison had gifted them. Undoubtedly, the two were excited and nervous as well. It was time to finally unveil their most valuable wedding gift. But what was the message?

Aunt Alison’s Message

Their friends’ wedding date was coming up and as Brandon and Kathy were trying to figure out what kind of special and memorable gift should they present them, their eyes caught the sight of the white box that Aunt Alison had given them at their wedding. But her message on the envelope stopped them from unraveling the present for almost a decade.

But now, Brandon and Kathy needed inspiration for their friend's big day and therefore, they felt that they should refer to Aunt Alison’s gift to have an idea. The gift was supposed to be the most valuable one for the two. Yet it was unopened. But what exactly did the message say? Do Not Open Until 1st Disagreement. Yes, that’s what it said. As Brandon and Kathy never had one, the gift was left unopened. But now, it can act as a savior to the couple.

Agreement to Wait Until Their First Disagreement

It’s normal for Brandon and Kathy to get tempted and find out what Aunt Alison had in store for them, more so because she decided to gift the newlyweds a wedding present that had a caution notice attached to it. Despite the message, Do Not Open Until 1st Disagreement, most people would have readily opened the gift as soon as they could.

But these two decided to stay calm and composed and wait until their first agreement. Therefore, Brandon and Kathy came to an agreement they wouldn’t be unwrapping the gift they got from Aunt Alison before they disagree on something for the first time. This was a kind of pact that they gave their consent to. However, they had no idea that this particular agreement would go deeper than they had expected before agreeing to it. Their hearts were certainly beating faster.

It Has Been a Long Wait

Time went by after their marriage as the gift stayed as it is where Brandon and Kathy had kept it. Over almost a decade, the gift had collected dust. Meanwhile, the couple had stuck to each other and never had any disagreements even though had gone through a lot. There were times when stress had gotten the better of them. Jobs, money, children, and various other issues were there for them to encounter.

But the couple overcame every obstacle that came their way and stood strong. That was a testing time for them. They had to shift to different places and welcomed their kids into their world. And tried to give them the best upbringing. Ups and downs, agreements, and disagreements are quite common in every marriage. What surprises us the most is how could Brandon and Kathy manage without one for almost a decade.

What did Aunt Alison Have to Say?

It’s a fact that Brandon and Kathy abided by Aunt Alison’s instructions. But did Aunt Alison take notice of this fact? Writing Thank You notes for the guests attending weddings is a traditional courtesy. However, Brandon and Kathy couldn’t do the same for Aunt Alison as they didn’t open her gift at all. They had nothing to say as for that they had to open the gift and that would have meant going against Aunt Alison’s instructions.

Two years after their marriage, Aunt Alison asked the couple if they had their first disagreement and had opened the gift. She might have been quite surprised to know that the married couple didn’t have any disagreements and were still not aware of what was in that gift box. She might also have been happy to know that Brandon and Kathy are made for each other.

Aunt Alison’s Closeness With Kathy

Aunt Alison was so close to Kathy that she was like a surrogate grandmother to her. Therefore, she became close to Brandon as well. So, there was no question of lying to her. When she asked the couple whether they had checked what was inside the gift box, the two replied in the negative. Aunt Alison was kind of shocked to know that. The news about Brandon and Kathy not knowing what was inside the box circulated in the family and everyone laughed at them.

Though Aunt Alison took it lightly, there was one member of the family who was a bit worried about the whole thing. No disagreements between a married couple for so many years? How is that even possible? Was there something that the couple was hiding? That had to be found out. Meanwhile, the news had even reached Kathy’s mother.

Kathy’s Mother was Concerned

When Kathy’s mother came to know about the fact that the couple hadn’t opened the gift box all this while, she was highly concerned. Okay, she was happy that the two had no disagreements between them. But she was worried about something else. She even asked Kathy whether there was food inside the box. Well, that had struck neither, Kathy nor Brandon.

When Kathy’s mom reminded them of that, the duo decided to approach Aunt Wilson and ask her whether she had put in something perishable or anything sensitive to time inside the gift box. What was her reply? What could have been in the box? Now Brandon and Kathy were intrigued to know what their aunt had gifted them. They were in for a surprise. They were about to feel surprised, special, and emotional at the same time.

Sentimental Duo

Brandon and Kathy are quite a sentimental pair. They very well knew how to appreciate the importance and value of things. They are sentimental about the place where they first met. The two also know how to value a present. Even if they had a silly fight, they knew the importance of the gift they received from Uncle Bill. It was a token of love from Uncle Bill and they knew how to value it.

Even if they once had a silly fight, they didn’t have any intention to open the box and disrespect the emotion that was attached to it. However, as time went by the couple came to know that there was some other reason why they had waited for so long to open the box. When they spotted the box while discussing to gift their friends at their wedding, Brandon and Kathy were wondering what stopped them from opening the box.

There was No Logic

That night when Brandon and Kathy were trying to figure out how to choose the perfect present for the special day in their friends’ lives, the gift from Aunt Alison caught their imagination. The first question that struck them was why on earth did they not open the box even after so many years. How was that possible? They couldn’t find any logic behind it.

The couple couldn’t make sense of the fact that they couldn’t even have one argument or disagreement so that they could have the opportunity to open the box and see what was in it. It all seemed like they were practicing self-control or maybe it was something they derived peace from. They found it silly. Anyway, now that they have the chance, Brandon and Kathy were more inclined to unwrap the box.

Did They Have Any Argument?

Just because they kept the box aside didn’t at all mean that they didn’t have the wish to open the box. They knew that it had something that was related o their late Uncle Bill. Then why didn’t think of opening the box? Aunt Alison said that they will have to wait until their first agreement. Did they have none? You might start thinking that Kathy and Brandon are a magical couple who knows how to keep everything perfect.

After all, having disputes or arguments in marriage is quite a normal thing to happen. Then why were these two exceptional? Alison confessed they did have a few. But they refrained from opening the box as they thought that the excitement will be over in an instant. They didn’t want to lose it, but keep it alive as long as they could.

Was It Like Digging a Mountain Out of a Molehill?

Kathy and Brandon did have their share of disagreements, but they were waiting for the right time. As time passed by, the reason to keep themselves away from the box started to weaken. When a newly married couple starts living together, they get to know each other better, they have fights, they have their judgments, and so on. The same happened in Kathy and Brandon’s case. However, both of them were equally competitive and stubborn.

The two knew that no fight they had between them was too bad to push them to open the box. They simply didn’t feel the necessity. They knew it was there and they left it as it is, without touching it. According to them, problems keep on evolving but have taken them in their stride. Whatever there was in the box, they kept it unopened. 

Priorities as a Couple

Both Brandon and Kathy were too competitive not to bother themselves about what was inside the box. They always love challenges and do not open the box come what may be a challenge for them which they accepted. That is why, despite having sporadic fights and disagreements, the two never expressed their desire to find out what Aunt Alison had gifted them.

The gift was indeed special to them. They considered the gift box as a symbolic reminder of their priorities in their marriage. Even after having their first disagreement, they asked each other the reason for their disagreement and whether that was needed. They were determined in their minds that no fight between them would force them to peek into the gift box. Brandon and Kathy stuck to what they decided and retained the exclusiveness of the gift box.

The Box Wouldn’t Save Them

They had their fights like every other couple. But still, they didn’t turn to the box as they were persistent with their decision. That night when the couple was discussing what gift they should select for their friends’ wedding to make them feel special, the pair finally made up their minds to unveil the box. They decided to do that not to save their marriage but to treat their love and curiosity.

As per Brandon, if the couple could have done without the box for almost ten years, they would easily without it for the rest of their life. He thought that the box wouldn’t save them. But the moment they unveiled the gift box, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Aunt Alison was cooking something for so many years and they were completely taken aback. What was inside the box?

A 9-Year Old Wedding Present

Finally, the moment arrived when Brandon and Kathy made up their minds to open the box and check what Aunt Alison had kept inside for them. They took the box from the position it had stayed in for over nine years. The couple’s curiosity was at its peak.

When they eventually unwrapped the gift box, Brandon and Kathy had tears of happiness rolling down their cheeks from what they discovered inside the gift box. In sync with what Aunt Alison had instructed the couple to do, the box had gifts worth a total of $200. Each gift came along with its own set of instructions. Brandon and Kathy thought that the box would contain a letter that would talk about the struggles and hardships that Aunt Alison and Uncle Bill had faced in their marriage. But she was something extraordinary, something that was beyond the pair’s expectations.

Aunt Alison’s Reaction

By not opening their wedding gift from Aunt Alison for almost a decade, Kathy and Brandon learned how to adjust to each other, sort out any misunderstandings, be patient with each other, and stand beside each other in any kind of situation. When Aunt Alison came to know about their reaction, she was amused.

The entire incident was not only funny but cute as well and Aunt Alison appreciated the couple for their patience. Not opening a wedding gift for more than nine years even though they had several opportunities to do so means a lot. The gift certainly brought them closer and made their relationship stronger than they had ever imagined. Aunt Alison was pleased to know that she was a reason for their happiness.  To unite them forever was the sole idea behind Aunt Alison’s gift and the fact that they didn’t unbox it speaks a lot about how strongly they believed in each other.

A Great Episode of Life

Aunt Alison was too happy to see Kathy and Brandon being so happy and elated. She was also thrilled at the way that her gift was having a positive impact on the duo’s life in present times. Though she thought it was a great story, she also thought that both Brandon and Kathy were crazy. She knew that the couple would love the gift and would hold it special, but she had no idea that it would become that special.

It was beyond her expectations completely. The gift was surely a gift of a lifetime for the two and they were thankful to Alison. However, it was the couple’s love and support for each other that accentuated the importance of the gift all the more. Alison was satisfied that she could add a little meaning to their life. Rest, it was all the couple’s credit for sure.

Words of Wisdom from Uncle Bill

Kathy went on to explain that their determination to avoid the gift box did pay off finally. She believes if she and Brandon would have turned to the box just after they had their first disagreement, it would have marked their failure. But the fact that they didn’t, spoke volumes of how persistent they were with their determination and will. It would also have symbolized the fact that they didn’t have enough faith in each other and they didn’t know how to make their marriage work.

Fortunately for the couple, nothing like that happened and Brandon and Kathy could spend almost 10 years before finally opening the gift box. It proved a lot of things about their bonding. With that being said, the box wasn’t the only thing that helped Brandon and Kathy. It was Uncle Bill’s golden words - Nothing is ever so bad that it couldn’t get worse - that helped them sail through.

A Lovely Reminder

Though the first time they caught sight of the gift in the box that was presented to them by Aunt Alison at their wedding, Brandon and Kathy laughed their hearts out, they somehow were able to understand the meaning hidden in those gifts. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for the duo. They realized that they were not just gifts.

They were meant to keep them closer to each other so that they can shower their love and affection on each other, pamper each other, and take care of each other lifelong. The gifts were meant to remind them that they need to stand beside each other in times of crisis and be one another’s pillar of support. The pair felt special after they laid their hands on them and were thankful from the heart that Aunt Alison had such strong intentions to see them happy forever and ever.

Sharing This Lovely Story

Brandon and Kathy Gunn were so excited after what they received and realizing their strong love for each other, that Kathy decided to let the world know what they experienced. They wanted others to know about how lovely they felt, thanks to the heart-warming gifts bestowed upon them by Aunt Alison. She also had her own marriage experiences and words of wisdom to share with everyone which she eventually did.

The gift helped the couple look at life from an entirely different perspective and gave them the motivation to overcome the hurdles in life. Aunt Alison always wanted the duo to emerge as winners and not lead their life like a failure. She wanted Brandon and Kathy to smile through any kind of problem and come out with flying colors. Kathy wanted to tell this to the world and let them realize how wonderful the feeling has been. 

It Went Viral

When the Gunn family came to know about what happened with Brandon and Alison, they were touched and were happy for the two. Kathy’s mom was overjoyed to learn that her daughter has finally been able to narrate the wisdom of marriage. The couple shared their story on Love What Matters. Post that, when they opened the box, Brandon and Kathy found out that their story has gone viral. It received 14,000 likes on Facebook.

Several websites and news channels shared their story to let the world know about the married couple’s wonderful experience. Kathy said on ABC News that she is confident that her story will continue to inspire several couples around the world, owing to which they will reassess their situations in marriage and think about their love more strongly. More importantly, people will start believing in the institution of marriage.

Making Your Marriage Work

The most important lesson that Kathy and Brandon learned is that nothing can make a marriage work if the partners are not themselves willing. Couples have to learn to sort out their differences and disagreements to come closer in life. When you are married, you need to learn to adjust and compromise with a lot of things.

No one will do it on your behalf. It’s entirely on you. If you are thinking that the contents that Aunt Alison packed in the box improved everything in Kathy and Brandon’s marriage, you are wrong. Avoiding the box for a decade brought them closer before they even realized it. The success of marriage is entirely dependent on the partners and no one else. If you think that you both need to take initiatives and make compromises to save your marriage, you should consider consulting a marriage counselor. That might just work.