Friday, December 4, 2015

Everyone Needs Role Models Like This


Today is a special day. It's a day that not many people get to say they can celebrate.

Today my mom and dad are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!


50 years since the day they said "I Do" to one another. 50 years of being united. 50 years.

In that 50 years, a lot has happened.
  • They have loved.
  • They have lost.
  • They have moved.
  • They have built a house.
  • They have found their paradise.
  • They have been happy.
  • They have fought.
  • They have struggled.
  • They have prospered.
  • They have raised children.
  • They have become grandparents.
  • They have endured sickness.
  • They have celebrated health.
  • They have worked.
  • They have played. 
  • They have traveled.
  • They have lived.
But the one thing they have done that means the most is that they have been incredible role models. I remember the sacrifices my mom and dad made as I was growing up, but that's what good parents do. That's not the role model I'm talking about. What I mean is that they showed the importance of being in love. They were in love. They ARE in love.

I'm sure I've told this story a million times to as many people as would listen, but I love it and am telling it again. When I was in high school, I was with a friend of mine at my brothers' wrestling meet. We were across the arena from where my parents were sitting. My friend motioned toward my parents and said how obvious their love for one another was. They sat there holding hands while watching the meet. She said that's the kind of marriage she wanted when she grew up. I remember that day so well and the impact her comments had on me. I had never really taken the time to look or notice. She opened my eyes and now I see it every time I look at them or talk to them and each time I reflect on memories about them. It's the kind of marriage I decided I would have.

They are truly in love.

Happy 50th anniversary, Mom and Dad. Thank you for being such great role models! I love you both.

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