Belated Happy Anniversary to My Folks

My parents celebrated their 54^th anniversary earlier this week.  Yesterday, Dad whisked Mom off to a bed and breakfast in north Georgia to celebrate.  I’m sure to them that the past 54 years have gone by in the blink of an eye, but in today’s world, 54 years is far longer than most people expect someone to be married.  Their marriage hasn’t been perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but it HAS endured, and that is something worth celebrating.

I love that my parents still hold hands.  In fact, the theme for their 50^th anniversary party was “50 Years and Still Holding Hands.”  They can, and do, finish each other’s sentences.  They still like to surprise each other.  Theirs is a comfortable relationship, but not boring.  They complete each other – and work well together (unless there is any kind of building involved…) Sometimes, they drive each other crazy, but it doesn’t matter, because they are committed to each other and to their relationship.

That commitment is to be admired.  They have been committed to each other through good times, through bad times, through happy and sad times.  I’m pretty sure there have been times when the feelings of love weren’t there, but the commitment remained.  And so their marriage stands as a testimony and an example. 

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for showing what a marriage SHOULD be, and for displaying the kind of commitment I need on this journey.  I learned it all from you!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!