Long Hollow

…these two youngsters joined hands and hearts and said "I do."

They were young, but Daddy had been to the other side of the world and back on a Navy ship in World War II. He had been to college and now worked as a Highway Patrolman. Mama already knew from experience that marriage was more than a fairy-tale romance – she was a now a single mom, working to take care of her young son. 

They knew life had its dark side, but I guess they saw a light in each other that they knew would help them get through whatever darkness awaited them. 

I'm grateful that God led them to each other, crossing their paths in that little restaurant so many years ago, and for the stubborn love in their hearts that has refused to let life tear them apart… that has instead grown ever stronger, finding more joy and laughter than tears.

Mama and Daddy, I wrote this last year, but it will be true forever…

Thank you for the love you have for each other, a love that has survived life's firing, its ups and downs, joys and heartbreaks.

That looks past each other's idiosyncrasies and irritations into your hearts where love lies, releasing it to color everything you do with affection and patience.

Thank you for your strength, your humor, your honesty, your compassion, your generosity and unselfishness that reaches out to each of us and holds us close no matter the physical distance.

I am blessed.

Happy 63rd Anniversary, Mama and Daddy! 

"Our wedding was many years ago.  The celebration continues to this day."  ~Gene Perret