Forty years ago, with God as
their witness, my parents made a promise to love each other for better or
for worse, in rich and in poor, and in sickness and in health. On their wedding day, they had no idea
that "worse" might mean struggling during some very lean years,
or supporting an overly-dependent only child who dropped out of college
because it didn’t feel like home, or many, many long seasons of Razorback
Football. They also didn't know
that "better" might mean growing old together on the back porch
swing, welcoming healthy grand babies into their lives, and sharing with
them the traditions and memories of a lifetime of love. Though I'm sure there were times they
felt "poor", at least in spirit, they had no idea how
"rich" they would become with hope and love. They could never predict the
"sickness" and loss that might befall their relationship. I've watched my mother, with
unparalleled strength, care for parents, siblings, and her husband both
physically and emotionally without an ounce of concern for her own
health. I've watched my father take
care of his bride - not only financially but emotionally too. I've watched him carry her, as if over
the threshold, through the trials of their lives together- lifting her
spirit and remaining her constant sounding board and quiet strength. My Daddy waited 38 years of their
marriage to get much needed hearing aids.
If there is a secret to a happy marriage, that has to be it! Ha Ha!
Throughout the years, I've
witnessed my parents' affection for one another. I've seen them fight and then later
reconcile and forgive. I've watched
them laugh and kiss and tease one another.
I've heard them pray together.
I've witnessed them make their marriage a priority. Because of Momma and Daddy's commitment
to one another and to marriage, they bestowed on me a lasting blueprint
for my own relationships. A living
example of dedication, perseverance, and faith. As I saw the marriages of my friends'
parents fail throughout my growing up, I saw the strength of their love
for each other. I have never
doubted their love. The constant
bedrock of my life has been Momma reading at the kitchen table and Daddy
watching the game with his eyes closed.
That stability never fails to make me smile nor give me comfort
when I think of it.
The number 40 is mentioned in
the Bible 146 times and generally symbolizes a period of trial or
tribulation. Though I am certain
Momma and Daddy have faced their own trials throughout the years, with the
Lord's help they have overcome.
Forty years of doing anything is a long time, and forty years of
happy married life is really quite remarkable. May God continue to shower you both with
love and blessings for many more years to come. Congratulations and Happy 40th Anniversary! I love you both beyond
measure!
