When the hour is upon us and our beauty surely gone
you will not be forgotten
No, you will not be alone
My parents just celebrated their sixtieth
wedding anniversary!
Sixty years of
marriage. S I X T Y Y E A R S.
Husband and wife...a l o n g life, together.
They can’t do everything they used to do,
Dad sometimes...Dad often, gets frustrated that he can’t do the things that he
used to do, the things that he loved to do, the things that he lived to do. Mom is always nearby encouraging him to
simply enjoy the fact that his time for doing is done, that now is the time for
loving, not doing.
They are both still good looking, Mom
always wears a classic sweater, accessorised with her favourite jewellery, earrings
dangling, hair curled and combed just so.
Dad still impresses those that meet up with him, thick toussled white
hair and a big, big grin...yes, still good looking.
They are always together, playing a game
of cards, watching curling or the news...watching. Together, talking. Listening to music, together, soulful country classics, even though Mom doesn't like it, she tries not to say so. Mom likes to do crossword puzzles, but Dad doesn't like that...and he says so. Dad often talks about moving to Herbert, Mom refuses to go. They are often arguing about any one thing that has come about in the
day, or that happened yesterday. They are just as often laughing
together at some old joke or at each other for some failed attempt at
something, maybe even because of something they have accomplished. Really, you
did it! Surprise and pride at
accomplishments.
They have struggled with health issues,
heart and soul issues. Blood, sweat and tears. They have
overcome their trials and have continued on, encouraging one another and trying
hard to survive, to just live. To live
with integrity and grace and peace...living life is hard.
They are enjoying the fruits of their
labour, family dinners once a week, good food, love and laughter. They love their children, their grandchildren
and their great grandchildren...these children that came all because they fell
in love. They are honoured to know this
family tree they have planted...to feel it, to water and to taste from it.
They have reached an amazing
accomplishment, sixty years together.
They are a testament to love, joy, perseverance, patience, cooperation,
consideration and survival. When all else failed they showed persistence
to love and dedication to one another.
We gathered, as many of us who could, this past weekend to share their accomplishment and to joy in one another, it was beautiful...joy, from sixty years of labour and love...it was a celebration, it was an honour.
And when the day has all but ended and our echo starts to fade
you
will not be alone...Let us hold to each other till the end of our days
S
I X T
Y Y E
A R S
with love, God Bless
