38 years ago today

Thirty eight years ago today, my parents were married in a small, simple wedding ceremony. My mom wore a dress that she found on a discount rack due to a stain. She would later let us kids play dress up in that dress (as well as a pair of really wild looking bell bottoms). Her parents refused to pay for the wedding and her mother did not even attend. They didn't have the money for a wedding photographer so my Uncle Larry took pictures that my parents managed to lose in one of their early moves. They were both violently ill with the stomach flu on their honeymoon. Some would say they were off to an auspicious start. But here they are, thirty eight years later, and still going strong.

I have learned so many invaluable things from my parents' marriage. They have overcome so many obstacles during their thirty eight years together: car accidents, broken bones, layoffs, cancer, seven kids...just to name a few. I am so lucky to have them as a good example of what a strong, committed relationship looks like. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!