Loving for a Lifetime

Last week my parents celebrated their 60th anniversary.  This past weekend we were able to celebrate this big event.  We made some very special memories together as a family.  I have only been around for 54 1/2 of those 60 years.  Ten and a half months after they got married my oldest sister was born.  They have had children in their home for over 59 of those years.  They have faced and continue to face many challenges in life and in their marriage.  They have raised 15 children and I think they have done a pretty good job.  But as anyone knows raising children is not easy and is demanding.  With a family our size they also lived through many very lean years.  My dad took on a second job and my mother did work from home.  There have been some incredible health challenges through the years.  And now these last years my Dad has been the care giver for my mother as she battles Parkinson's disease.  They have lived through - "For better or for Worse", "For Richer or Poorer", "In sickness and in Health",  "To Love and To Cherish, Till Death Do us Part ". The example of love and commitment for a lifetime is seldom seen it today’s world.  Yet, for my parents the longevity of their marriage and their selfless love for one another is not only a testimony of God’s faithfulness but a demonstration of God’s love shown between two people. 

 Mom and Dad June 22, 1957

60 Years Later 

Mom and Dad with all their children 

Our extended family, however we are missing many who couldn't make it. 

It was a joy to have Aurora there celebrating with us! 

 My sister-in-law Anna, did such an amazing job with the decorations!

What fun making special memories together!