It’s not often we get to write about joy in this space.

Accomplishments, sure. Praise for acts of kindness, certainly. Groups on opposing sides of the social-cultural-political divide putting their differences away for the common good … well, there’s always hope.

But joy? When it occurs — and it does seem as though it happens far too infrequently in this day and age — then that’s something that needs to be celebrated.

For instance, was there any other way to feel than joyous when reading about Joyce and Charles Hulings of Medford, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27?

A love affair that began over a steak dinner in 1952 has outlasted more than most — a fact proved by U.S. Census Bureau statistics that show only 0.1% of all married couples are still together for their Platinum Anniversary.

“People say they love someone,” Charles says, “but, really, ‘Do you love this person or don’t you?’ … If you can say that to yourself, and if you love someone, you stay with them through thick and thin.”

As for Joyce, even after all these years (and steak dinners), she’s not afraid to show her puckish side when talking about the one who shares their family of four children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

“I haven’t killed him yet,” she says. “I would miss him.”

It’s at the other end of spectrum that we find Ezekiel Luke Pino, who ventured into the world at 1:44 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, making him the Rogue Valley’s first baby of the new year.

Ezekiel was the first of five births at RRMC on New Year’s Day, which came as somewhat of a surprise to parents Milly and Kevin Pino of Medford, who had anticipated their son would be born closer to Christmas Day.

“It was a very anxious two weeks leading up to New Year’s,” Kevin said.

“He wanted to be born on Jan. 1,” Milly said.

Home, happy and healthy, the Pino family — which also includes 2-year-old big sister Evalyn — was ready to greet the 2024 head-on … well, maybe when they get their energy back.

“We’re good just relaxing now,” Kevin said.

Expressions of love aren’t burdened by age limits. And they can be shared among family, friends, neighbors — and even strangers, judging by the number of Rogue Valley Times readers who offered their warm wishes to the Hulings couple and the Pinos on social media.

Whatever else awaits us this year, these two stories are a reminder that there’s always room for a little joy in our lives.