when vows are for real

On Friday,April 15, 1961, my parents took their marriage vows.  Of course, I wasn't there, but I can only assume they included "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part."  They've endured "for worse" and sickness, no doubt about it, but their commitment to "til death do us part" is nothing short of incredible in this world we live in.  Naturally I hope that parting doesn't come anytime soon, and that we will be having another party to celebrate 60 years.  Speaking of, we had a marvelous party in their honor yesterday.  Tons of people who love them were there, and it was lots of fun!  They renewed their vows, and the pastor asked first Mom and then Dad what they remembered most clearly from their wedding day.  My mom recounted the story of her dad telling her (just before he walked her down the aisle): "You can still back out, you know!"  My dad's response was classic Dad:  "I don't really remember anything - it was all a blur!"  Big laughs from the audience, but not too surprising ... I'm guessing lots of us remember a big blur on our wedding day.

Just a few short years later, the children started appearing!  I was chosen by them from Lutheran Family Services, then my brothers were picked one after the other from the Henry Doorly Zoo.  (Hee hee - let's see if they read this!)  They loved us well (still do), and we never went without the things we needed.  They are solid, faithful, and unwavering in their devotion to one another, and have set an example for all to see of what it looks like to stand firm, even when things get rough.  God really does have a perfect design and plan for marriage, and while they would never pretend they've pulled it off perfectly, just the simple fact that they've pulled it off at all is a testimony to that divine plan.

They followed us to Kansas City almost 20 years ago - leaving the home they built with their own hands, their heritage, and the city where they grew up and grew a family.  At the time, it just seemed like a natural move - all of us had migrated here, and the grandkids ... well let's just say that their grandkids are their pride and joy and they have poured themselves into each one.  They continue to do that with Christa's littles - great-grandchildren! What a cool thing it is to see Callie cooking with Mom, Lexi snuggled up on Dad's lap reading a book, Mason playing something very busy on the floor with one or both of them.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for showing the world what it looks like, in good times and hard times, til death do you part.