Saturday, May 3, 2014

61 Years.

Their journey started 61 years ago today on a Saturday morning in a little church. Bright and early they were up, had a ceremony and a brunch after at the wedding in a little home. Simple and easy. Not overdone, no extra things, just straight to the point because the ceremony and the decor didn't determine their love or how long they would be together. Their story and their love was founded upon God, and quitting wasn't an option. When the going got tough, the tough got going and staying married was the only option.

Exactly 9 months later they had their first baby. And in the next 15 years had 10 more. Eleven kids in fifteen years and to this day she swears she never had two in diapers at the same time. Raised them all on the family farm, and poured their hearts into it. Everything was done by hand, meals made from scratch, hanging laundry on the line. You had to wind up that phone to call someone, it wasn't just done by the click of a button. The windows were rolled down by a crank, and the pictures were nothing but black and white.
Things were hard, you had to work hard. Things weren't just handed to you and the time you put in is what you got back.

They followed the word of God and the fruit of their labor has brought nothing but blessing and an overabundance of joy. 37 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren to be exact. They bring joy everywhere they go and set an example day to day to not only me, but to everyone who knows them.

I have never once in all my 16 years have ever seen a shortage of goodies. Cookies, ice cream, malts, pies, cakes, ice cream desserts, and any other type of  baked good you bet it is there. The motherly example she has set is mind blowing, she inspires me. She didn't teach how to be rich. She taught how to be happy so that her offspring would know the value of things, not the price. Her heart is giving and kind. She leaves no one behind. She is the ultimate supporter, she will always be your biggest fan. The bed is always made, laundry is put away, and the house is clean. She puts her body to work, she is diligent and strong. She rises early in the morning and puts her shoes on and takes on the day, you would never know she is 82.

His hands are beaten and rough, they've put in more than their time. Served in the military and has seen pain, destruction, and brokenness. He provided for a family of 12 and settled for nothing less. He put in hard work and was a loving father. He is quiet but never outspoken. His words are full of knowledge and wisdom. When he speaks you listen. His heart is dedicated, his heart is tender. Family, card clubs, and golf are just a few of his favorites. He still goes out to the farm everyday, you would never know he is 86.

Just like all marriages have their ups and downs, the difference was they woke up every morning and despite what was happening around them they still fell in love again. As I get older and I start to walk my journey I look to you, I admire you, and I respect you. How blessed am I to be able to say I have someone as special as you to look too. Thank you for pushing through, thank you for never quitting and thank you for setting an example for me that I can follow. I am inspired and I am honored to say I am your granddaughter.

Gram and Gramps, my hat is off to you, because not many people can say this but, happy 61st Anniversary.

 

As always, Xoxo.
Elizabeth.