Family: 50 Years!

For the last couple of months, I have been planning my parents' 50th anniversary party. I've been consumed by it, really. I can't help but want to make it as special as I can when I think about their story and my own life as a child. Although not perfect, we had and still have a special bond in our family that is obviously to the credit of my parents. So today, as I wrap up final plans for the ceremony and reception on Saturday, I think its appropriate to reflect on something I am eternally grateful for....

Mom and Dad were originally married by the Justice Of The Peace. I have made a couple of assumptions as to why there wasn't a wedding. I'm pretty sure Dad's folks did not approve and it may have been a money issue as well. Either way, they "ran off" to get married and have been together ever since. They are renewing their vows this Saturday with their friends and family at the church that they have attended for the last 30 years.

We didn't grow up with a ton of money. We were average, middle class. I'm pretty sure when I was very young, it was pretty tight financially even. That was when all four of us lived at home. It was a pretty small house and yet I don't remember thinking we were deprived of anything. I just remember that I always felt loved by my parents and my siblings. I feel almost guilty sometimes, because my childhood was so happy. I know that isn't something that everyone had and I don't take it for granted.

While preparing for the anniversary party, we went through a ton of old pictures and decided to display them on the tables at the reception. It was hilarious. And emotional. Some pictures of my Dad just cracked me up. Shaggy, dark hair very different from the short white hair he has today. And Mom's "frosted" hair...so 70's! Of course we saw pictures of people who were not in our family anymore due to divorce. Those were kind of sad because we truly miss them! Then you would run across the occasional picture that brought you to tears. Grandparents that have passed on. Me, very pregnant with one of our babies that didn't make it. My nephew Russell, whose death a year ago is still too fresh to even know how to deal with sometimes. I can't believe what we have been through together. Growing up. Laughing. Arguing. Moving out. Getting married. Having children. Losing children.

My family is, and will always be, one of the greatest blessings in my life. We know we are all different. Not one of us four kids, or my parents, are exactly alike. And yet, we love each other more than I could ever put into words. That love, that relationship, is because of our amazing parents. We were always taught that you never hold a grudge, try not to get involved in other people's arguments and to love each other. If I can pass on a fraction of that to my kids, I will be happy.

Here's to love....and at least 50 more years of it!