61 and 25
My parents have been married 61 years this weekend. My dad was a navy vet and working in the family furniture business. They would meet at the local fountain shop and have a coke or ice cream. My mom was a senior in high school and a promising musician, already proficient in playing the pipe organ and piano. My dad's army buddy, Joe Jr., introduced them and soon they were engaged. They had a huge wedding and settled down in their first home, an apartment on the east side of Birmingham, Alabama. They had three sons, a beagle, numerous rabbits, several parrakeets and hundreds of guppies and goldfish! Their marital record is 61 years of fidelity, love and arguments, making up and laughing. seasons of sickness and health, wont and prosperity, blessings and challenges. My brothers always knew we could count on them to be at ballgames, concerts, teacher conferences, graduations, weddings, to welcome grand-kids and listen to our woes. We also knew they would tell us what they believed, pray for us, take us to worship, brush our teeth, respect our teachers and open the door for ladies. Our family was not idyllic or perfect - far from it. Yet through it all, we have always known we are loved, encouraged to be our best and never compromise our dreams, our values and our hopes.
On October 13, Meri and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. I think my kids would repeat almost all of the accolades I state above. They would probably add that we are too "huggie and kissie" around them. That we love to take them to playgrounds, on hikes, to Disney World and the beach. That we enjoy doing strange things together like yard work, errands, long baths, Broadway plays, redecorating the house, grocery shopping and praying at meals even in a Chinese restaurant! That we are already looking forward to having grand-kids someday and sitting on the porch at our dreamed about lake house watching the sunset. Yes, I think they know that I am still crazy about their momma -- just like my dad is still crazy in love in my mom!
Life is good! Thanks, Lord. You are really good...