65 years ago today, a very young couple stood hand-in-hand to declare their undying love and devotion to each other, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, until death parts them. By God’s grace they have fulfilled the former and not yet had to experience the latter.
Had you asked me several months ago, I was doubtful that my Mom and Dad would celebrate this day together. Doctors were almost certain that Dad would not have survived his illness to even see his 87th birthday which was only a month after his illness, much less his 65th wedding anniversary five months later. But God…
Words would fail me to adequately express just how grateful I am to God for showing our family such grace and mercy over the days, weeks, and months after September 8, 2017, or the joy I have in being able to celebrate this milestone of two people I love so dearly. So I simply echo the words of the Doxology that is currently playing in my head: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
In an age of declining marriage and increasing co-habitation; of disposable marriages when things get hard, my Mom and Dad have set a standard for what the fulfillment of wedding vows and loving each other through the “tough stuff” really looks like. They have had their ups and downs like every marriage throughout history, but they have stood strong, done the hard work that is marriage, and overcome. I am a better person for that and I am grateful.
So, happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! I love you both beyond words. This is a sweet day because it’s number 65. It’s even sweeter that you get to celebrate it together…and we do, too.
