Mom and Dad

Today is my parents' 59th wedding anniversary. I am very proud of them. 59 years is a huge accomplishment. I've sent them a card and some beautiful flowers, but I wish I were there to take them to dinner or do something a little bit special for them.

My parents married young. My mother was only 17 when she married my father, and he was only 21. Three years later, I came along, and then, 2 years later, my sister joined our little family.  So there we were a family of 4, small and yet we came with a huge extended family, most of whom lived not more than a couple of hours away.

Although I only lived with my parents for the first 18 years of my life, I got to know them pretty well. Yes, I was there through the toughest years of their marriage, because, isn't it true, that for all married couples, those first 10 years or so aren't all smooth sailing? I'll be the first to admit to that truth. There's the getting-to-know-you stage, the I'm finally comfortable with you stage, the compromising stage, and oh, so much more. And sprinkled all through those stages are the trials and tribulations of raising children, financial struggles, and just plain ol' growing up.

I was there for that first part. I watched as they worked out their differences. I was there when they began their ascent into adulthood. I was there to watch and learn life's lessons on finances, love, forgiveness, friendship, family, and home. They were my parents, and it was their job to teach, train, and equip me for the future.

I'm thankful for the parents that God blessed me with. I learned so much living with them, about God, mostly, and the importance of listening to His voice. Oh, I learned other things too, but mostly I learned about God. My folks did not become Christians until they were in their late 20s. I was 6 years old, and I remember everything. I remember the drastic changes that took place in our home at that time--that precise moment in time--when everything changed in the blink of an eye. I believe that my little heart was spared that day--when God came into our home. Everything became new, wonderful, safe, warm.

I think that if someone were to ask me to think of one thing--just one--to thank my parents for, it would be the gift of Christianity, that's how important it is to me. This relationship with God is the strongest relationship I have. It encompasses so much of who I am and who I've become as an adult. And I owe this to my parents. For me, it was the gift of life.

So happy anniversary, Mom and Dad, and thank you for--well, for everything, for becoming Christians, for having children, for staying together, for loving each other, and for loving God. I love you both so much.

My father and mother