Tuesday, January 01, 2008

A Happy Anniversary

Originally written in 2006, this is a repost for my wonderful parents...who today, celebrate their 59th anniversary.


Fifty-seven years ago on January 1, 1949, my mother and father slipped off and were quietly married in a small church with only the minister and his wife as a witness. Neither wanted the production of a large wedding and truth be told, I'm not sure they would have married under those circumstances!

Mom was a secretary working at McKesson's in Wichita when she met my dad; a soldier returning from the army where he had been stationed on the Aleutian Islands. They began as friends, getting to know one another first, then love followed, resulting in their marriage and setting the course for this journey.

From 1951 to 1964, six children were born; my siblings and me, and we began weaving the tapestry of our lives. Each child remembers things a little differently, from different places in our pattern, but from my view, life was enchanting; a never-ending circle of love, warmth and happiness. We were safe, valued, encouraged, taught and wanted. We were our own community of entertainment and merriment and that continues to this day. Even if we weren't family, we would choose one another as friends and companions on this sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult path through life.

As the years went by, grandchildren were added to the mixture; twelve bright, beautiful people who now range in age from 11 to 24. There are countless photographs of Mom and Dad with each and every one of them, but this one captures the essence of the relationships; Mother holding little hands and in the midst of what is going on while Dad smiles and is ever near for guidance and reassurance.

Because of them, we are us; a family rich in faith and hope and love. We are bound to one another through blood, but close to one another through our hearts.

If Webster were living and could re-define "family", there we would be, in living, brilliant color. How blessed we are that out of all the people in the world, an ordinary man met an ordinary woman and from their love came an extraordinary life.


Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.....how fortunate we are to have our path lit with your example of what it's all about.

15 comments:

Mellissa said...

Oh Lori!!! What a beautiful post. I woke up this morning and was praying that God would help give me strength and courage and to believe in myself and that there was a man who would love me forever and to help me believe that true love exists...

And then there you are - providing the most beautiful of confirmations. Thank you, and Happy Anniversary to your Mom and Dad....

Mellissa

Martie said...

This is wonderful, as usual, Lori! Happy Anniversary to your Mom and Dad.

Something else we have in common! My Dad was stationed in Alaska as a Tech Sgt. during WWII and one of his duties was to teach the officers to drive as the Alaskan Highway was being built.

srp said...

A lovely tribute to two wise and loving people. My parents will celebrate their 55th this coming June.
Happy Anniversary to the happy couple.

Bougie Black Boy said...

Very nice write-up. I think you'd be good at writing up yours and other's family history. . .

Michelle said...

I agree with Stephen. Actually, you'd be great at writing anything!

You could be the girl in the wedding picture. You look just like your mom when she was young.

Beautiful tribute to your family.

Rebecca said...

What a beautiful tapestry of your family history. Truly.

Cheryl said...

Okay, I know I'm a big ol' sap, but this wonderful post and all the pictures made me cry. How blessed you are! Happy anniversary to your mom & dad.

Jacqueline said...

Hi Lori, what an awesome post to start the new year with and a great tribute to your equally awesome and blessed parents!! A truly rich family history with beautiful memories unfolded in pictures and words, a great treasure indeed! Thanks for sharing and happy anniversary to your parents. May they be blessed with many more years to celebrate together with their loving and united family. Happy and blessed New Year to all of you too.
Incidentally Lori, I'd like to share my christmas joy with you - do drop by when you're free, thanks.

Bougie Black Boy said...

Oh yeah, that first picture is AMAZING. I love it. . .

Spider Girl said...

Happy Anniversary to your parents!

Your post was lovely. :)

StringMan said...

Very nice tribute to your parents. I love the family picture. They are responsible for all that!

Cindy said...

What a wonderful post! The last picture reminds me of the one my great Grandparents took on their 50th wedding anniversary. True love is a beautiful thing.

Tiabugg

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Happy New Year!

John said...

'We were our own community of entertainment and merriment and that continues to this day'...do you know how much I envy that? Our culture seems to encourage endless activity and most of it with people other than family. As I left my children tonight I told them, "you know, we don't always have to 'do something', we can just hang out and BE together." I felt very old fashioned, suddenly. I've come to realize there's nothing wrong with old fashioned.

Beautifully done, Lori!

SB said...

Congratulations to your wonderful parents! 59 years is quite an achievement. May they have many more happy years together.

Susie