44

44 years ago.

do you?

i do.

do you?

i do.

and they were married.

small city hall wedding.

i am thankful for that day.

no, i wasn't born yet.

but the reason i am thankful for that day is that it was my parents' wedding day.

I so wish i had a photo of that day,

you really need to see the clothes.

also

my mom had long hair and my dad had hair.

today my mom's hair is much shorter and my dad's hair has moved to his chin.

*lake huron i believe.  June 2015*

they are a couple that i admire and look up to.

they have demonstrated that marriage is not all romance and dreamin'.

it takes work, determination.

they have demonstrated that marriage is not all work and no play.

it is fun, it is living with your best friend.

They have had great times

- such as the summer of 1973 when their son was born, 

and 1975 when the light of their life, their precious daughter, came into the world to make it a brighter place.-

they have had rough times.

my dad's battle with cancer, the loss of their parents, my mom's chronic pains

they have always shown what it means to love and support their family.

they have encouraged my brother and i at pursuing dreams.

they have always had an open door.  

so many friends have been welcomed in and cherished by them.

they have welcomed a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law into the family with open arms.

they love on and cherish their five grandkids.

Last Christmas we had the opportunity to invite my parents to Great Wolf Lodge.

it was a great time.

In June i had the chance to take the kids on a road trip with gramma and papa.

we went to Green Bay, WI.

what a great time with my parents.

i am thankful to have them as my parents.

i am thankful for their example of a long-lasting marriage.

i am thankful for their love for each other and for me.

happy anniversary you two love birds!

i love you.

also...

happy 44th birthday to my big 'sis' 

(tomorrow)

that's the best photo i have of her.

i love you.

*photos:

1-4 taken by me with Gertie

5 taken by me, with Chester.

6 taken by E. Murphy, with Gertie.