Our Familiversary - A Marriage Worth Celebrating

Today would have been my parents’ 32nd anniversary. My dad would have sent yellow roses to my mom. He would have come home for lunch to eat with her. 

My parents had the most incredible marriage. I cannot remember a time where my dad spoke negatively of my mom. I cannot remember a time where he yelled at her. In times of disagreement, both stated their cases. One person was not the ruler of our home. They were partners. My dad’s biggest concern has always been the care of his family. His girls were everything. Nothing else ultimately mattered. 

My mom is the most incredible person that I know. She is selfless and quick to fill a need. When my dad’s back was itching uncontrollably at 2am, she got out of bed to rub his back. When he was sick, she stood by him. When he was emotionally drained, she lifted him up. She wept with him, prayed for him, and loved him.

Today, on my parents’ anniversary, I’m celebrating my mom and the family that my dad built. 

The next two weeks will be extremely difficult. 
- Today, we celebrate and mourn. What would have been isn’t… what we wish was 50 or 60 years is stopped at 31 and some months. Today, one year ago, dad had his first surgery. The surgery that seemed to start our roll down the hill. I pray we celebrate our family rather than dwell on what could have been. 
- In a few days, I will “celebrate” my 25th birthday, yet all I can think about is that this year..my 25th year..will not include memories with my dad. I pray the Lord restores my hope and my joy as we walk this road. 
- Over the next two weeks, Carlie will play in her first Razorback football game of her sophomore year. Dad was her biggest fan. I pray she feels his joy instead of her sorrow.