Life Down On The Farm

I was going to do this post yesterday, but, as sometimes happens, life got in the way.

Yesterday my parents celebrated 49 years of marriage...I would say wedded bliss but I am sure there were some days when it was far from bliss! 49 years...wow, that is a long time to spend with one person! But the years have been good to them and I am sure they think the time has flown by. I remember as a little girl hearing my dad come home and yell in the door for his "honzy-babe" when he needed something. I thought that was such a silly nickname, but I also thought it was sweet. He still calls her that to this day, and I still think it is sweet. Watching your parents marriage can be both good, bad and inspiring. I don't remember very many fights, but I do remember a few times seeing them hold hands and share a little kiss. Embarrassing when you are a kid. Another blog that I follow wrote about her parents always showing affection towards each other...holding hands, hugs, always being close. That doesn't describe my parents, but they love each other none the less. My parents love each other in a quiet, subtle way. A simple look, a gentle teasing...mom always knows dad's bus schedule and where he will be and when he will be home. She always makes sure his dinner is waiting for him when he gets there and she never gets mad when he throws the paper on the floor after he is done reading it. Dad helps mom up the stairs when her knee is giving her trouble, he sat by her bed when she was in the hospital, and when they first got married he ate food he didn't like (for several years) just because she made it for him. Quiet, subtle love. My dad is not the kind of person that drives any faster than 55mph, no matter what! But when mom fell and broke her leg and I rode with him to the hospital he drove close to 70mph...darn near took the corners on two wheels! Quiet, subtle love. This is the kind of marriage we as kids took for granted...other kid's parents got divorced, that was never even a thought at our house. Growing up we knew our parents would be married forever..and after 49 years they are still working on forever together. Theirs is the marriage I can model mine after...forgive the mistakes, make-up after the fights, raise the kids with love...but always put your marriage first. The kids will grow up and move away...you still have to live with each other. Quiet, subtle love. The kind of love that grows from year to year...I still remember my dad saying that he married his best friend...I don't remember what the occasion was, but those words stuck in my mind. Mom makes dad's meals and washes his clothes...not because she wants to, but because that is what she does for the man she loves. Dad spent all of their marriage working and providing for his wife and kids...not because he wanted to, but because that is what you do for the woman you love. Quiet, subtle love. 49 years of sacrifices, gifts, little things done for each other, time together, time missed while apart...49 years of quiet, subtle love.

So here's to a lifetime of love and a marriage that lasts and lasts and lasts...here's to my favorite married couple. I love you mom and dad and thanks for showing me what marriage and love is all about.