53 Years Ago

I am a day late with this post.  I knew that yesterday was the fifty third anniversary of my parents marriage and that could have easily been the subject of my blog about faith and trust.  Ashlyn and Hayley's stories needed to be told though. 
September 12, 1959 my dad hit the jackpot.  Don't get me wrong, he was a good looking guy.  But my mom, my mom was a knock out.  Just today at work when someone complimented me, I said I owe it all to my parents.  If you think I am pretty, you should've seen my mom.  She was stunning.  Sometimes it takes my breath away, that black hair and ivory skin.  And she was pretty tall and was lucky enough to live in the world of sixties dresses.  Not that hippy crap but the tailored, darted, fitted numbers that just made a woman look fantastic.
I am amazed and in awe of what my parents were able to achieve as husband and wife, parents and partners.  I wish I knew more about their early years.  I wish I knew more about their courtship.  I have romanticized that, I am sure.  My dad in his cuffed jeans.  My mom in her white nurse's cap. 
My mom was twenty three, my dad nearly twenty six when they married.  They were parents less then a year later.  They bought their first and only home within the next two years.  They raised five children there.   All went to Catholic school, first through twelfth.  There was never a moment that I remember wanting for food, for clothing, for anything.  We were not rich by any means, but we were provided for. 
I think back now to their fortieth wedding anniversary party, the summer of 1999.  The dementia had already taken ahold of Mom.  Someone always stayed close to her that day to help her with names.  There were a lot of people there so I don't blame her for being overwhelmed.  I remember that day as being so much fun.  So much life and laughter in the KC Hall that afternoon.  How blessed my parents were to be surrounded by so many friends and family.
I don't ever remember them fighting.  They must have though.  Maybe their opposite sleep schedules just didn't allow for a big row so they said their peace as they met each other on the stairs.  I don't know.  They loved each other.  That I know.  I knew it more by their actions then their words.  I wish I would have paid attention more to their love, learned from it. 
So here I am, all because two people fell in love.

Cheers to Bob and Rita Snow.  Married on September 12, 1959 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fairfax.  The bride was stunning and the groom was grinning from ear to ear.