Happy 47th, Mom and Dad

My parents have been married for 47 WHOPPING years today. In Hollywood time, that's like six centuries, at least. Recently, we were headed somewhere and I asked them if it felt like they'd been married for 47 years. Both responded the same: "No, it really doesn't." (How glad was I that they both answered the same?!) 


They have been through a lot together: six kids, the death of a baby, business ownership, college, teaching, old cars, new cars, parents dying, sicknesses, and terminal illness. It ain't been easy, that's for sure. The interesting thing is that through all of that and all the "regular" trials of life they've worked things out. The reason? In my opinion, it's because they not only took their wedding vows seriously, they took each other seriously. They cared more about each other than the end result of any disagreement or challenge. I love that! It gives me hope that marriages can last if both parties really want it to last. Surely there were moments where they thought it might be easier to throw in the towel, file for divorce, and go their separate ways. But they didn't - because they loved each other and cared about each other enough to stick through the tough times and make it work. 


Now that Dad has Parkinson's disease and fights a daily battle to be upright it's even more amazing to me. He tries to avoid complaining even though we know he's in pain and doesn't feel well and misses being able to do "normal" tasks. That makes it easier on Mom since she is his full-time caretaker and wears herself out doing all that's required to make his life happy and as healthy as possible. 


We (their children) get to celebrate with them this Friday night by taking them to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It's not the fanciest restaurant, but it's spending the time with them that really counts. I love my parents so much! They are my best friends and the lights of my life. I love being able to talk with them about my day, share my secrets with them, and ask them any and all types of questions. They are so good to me and continue to be examples of what it takes to live a Christlike life. If I am any kind of good it's because they have taught me to be that way. All I know is when they were assigning parents in heaven I absolutely got in the best line! 


Love you Mom and Dad! Thanks for making the eternal sacrifice and staying together despite all that was thrown in your path. I love that you've dedicated your lives to the gospel and to each other because it's the best start for our family's "happily forever after." XOXOXOXO