Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

Just a quick little post in honor of my "old man" and his "woman"...

Happy Anniversay!!!

My parents have been married now for 37 years. I would love to post wedding pictures, but...they eloped. No pictures to speak of. My mom was 19 and my father 20. They eloped because my dad, who had been raised in the Amish faith knew his father would never consent to him marrying a Mormon girl. It didn't take long however, for his father to accept my mom and come to love her and treat her as his own.

My parents have always had a strong relationship, even in the weakest times. Things may have tested them but they knew that they loved each other and were meant to be together.

As far back as I can remember, my parents have always held hands. I remember them holding hands while driving to church on Sunday mornings.

My dad always worked long hours and even had jobs in which he had to travel, just so my mom could stay home with us kids. But, when he was home on the weekends, he not only did his "honey-do" list, he helped out in the kitchen too. He enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners and was often the clean-up crew too.

The worst/best memory I have of Sunday after-dinners is that often times Mom would wash while Dad would dry. I say "worst" because many times they would have music playing and a few times I remember walking in on them while they were "dancing" or kissing or whatever - between sink-loads. Eww... gross. Well, that's what I thought as a kid, anyway.

I remember them taking lots of "naps" too. Boy, am I glad I never "disturbed" them... whew!

Even now, they are still in love. Last fall I took my kids on a road trip to go and see my parents. Shortly after arriving, I was in the spare room unpacking. The kids were sort of meandering around the house. Soon PrettyPrettyPrincess comes in the room and asks, "What are Gram & Grandad doing?" I replied, "I don't know... why?" She answered, "Because their bedroom door is shut and there is lots of giggling going on." I sort of smile to myself and say, "Hmmm. Better ask Gram that one." Soon my mom emerges and PrettyPrettyPrincess hits her up and asks what they were doing. My mom chuckles and answers, "Oh, just Grandad, being funny."

Now, I am not saying that they were or were not doing something. But I did notice how she never really answered the question. See, PrettyPrettyPrincess asked what they were doing - not how Granddad was acting.

Then, the next day we were in the kitchen. LittleDuckling & I were at the table helping prepare lunch. My mom was at the sink. Soon, my dad enters the room. I don't think he realized we were there too, cuz he goosed my mom on the bum. She sort of jumped. LittleDuckling looks at me like, "Did you see that?" I in turn ask aloud, "Would you two like some privacy?" To which they both laugh.

Then on the way home from our trip, LittleDuckling asked why granddad would want to pinch gram. I explained to my kids it was because they still loved each other. Of course, they all thought that was the weirdest logic ever. I just laughed.

I thought the whole thing was cute, and I am glad that my parents have weathered the many storms between the calm; that they fought the mighty tempests together. For I know that in the end, when the tide comes up, their love for each other will not be washed away and will still be standing on the shore.

Here's to another 37 years. Granted, you'll be in your nineties then... but I know your love is a love that's meant to be. Happy Anniversary!