Four Decades

The year was 1968 and the wedding had already been postponed several times, so the young couple decided to elope. They got married by a sweaty preacher who had just finished mowing the lawn and was about to take the youth to a "hobo" party. They spent the first year of their marriage on opposite sides of the world.

Today is my parents 40th wedding anniversary! As any couple who have been married this long, they have celebrated many joyous occasions together! Two kids, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, six grandkids, new jobs, new houses, vacations and more!

They've also buried all four of their parents, lost a brother, and dealt with cancer, heart disease, and epilepsy and probably countless other things they never shared with my brother or me.

For better and for worse - they've seen their share of both. They will tell you the good far outweighs the bad.

For richer or for poorer - although they are probably wealthier now than they've ever been, no one will ever accuse them of being rich! And there were many, many, poor days.

In sickness and in health - Mom has taken care of Dad thru lots of health crises and he's helped her thru the illness of 2006. Mostly, they've been healthy.

Mom and Dad taught me alot about a good marriage and none of that teaching actually involved any words. They taught thru example. They taught thru loving during the hard times and celebrating the good times.

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I love you!