My Folks’ 50 Years
Hello, dear readers of Profunksticated’s blog:
It is about 3 a.m. as I write this. We’re a few hours removed from my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary banquet in the Philly-South NJ. Wonderful it was. About 100 of my folks’ siblings, relatives and other friends showed up to help celebrate. The festivities were in a banquet room of a municipal country club/golf course.
The folks arrived in a stretch limo. We did dinner, played a trivia game about my parents’ lives, and acted like paparazzi, shooting a gazillion digital photos. We also feted Mom and Dad with songs, warm remarks, and visual memories of the past (including the video I assembled.)
My Dad admitted he was out there, living the single life and partying when he met Mom. What attracted him to her? Her suggestion that they attend church as their first date. He thanked her for “putting up with me for 50 years.” Mom said her husband, among other things, was a hard-working provider.
Look, you all already know that marriage ain’t always a bowl of cherries, but in this age of the ubiquitous stat of half of all American marriages breaking up, it’s nice — heck, it’s extraordinary — to see a couple stick out life’s peaks, valleys, brickbats and bouquets for half a century.
That’s 50 years, ya’ll. 600 months. 2,600 weeks. 18,262.5 days. 438,300 hours.
I remarked to the audience that God blessed me with the right set of parents. They provided a great example. They weren’t at fault for the times I went astray, I chose to travel those paths. In the final analysis, they did what they could to keep myself and my younger brother and sister on the right roads. After that, it was simply up to us.
As I’ve blogged before, my family has been through a lot of stuff in 2008, most of it downright unpleasant. For example, today December 7, would have been my brother and late sister-in-law’s 23rd wedding anniversary. I’m sure a lot of folks present remembered that. And if you’ve read this blog for any amount of time you know there’s other stuff happening, but I’m not going into any more detail, at least not in this post.
It was nice to have such a beautiful event cap a not-so-great 2008. Yeah, I’m sounding sappy, but I don’t care right about now. I thank God for my parents and their marriage.
The video was a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing it with me. 29 more years to go for Ron and I to make it to the 50 mark. I believe we will make it.
I know you’re dealing with a lot, but from what I’ve seen and heard - your man enough for to weather the storm. The clouds will pass.
God Bless
Thanks much, Ms. Diva. There will be few times I’ll put my heart and soul into a project as I did while creating that tribute. You’re right, the clouds will pass. Yes, you can make 50 if you keep that commitment to one another. God bless you also.
Comment by TravelDiva — December 7, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
I’m glad everything turned out well. I know 2008 has been hard but when the new year strikes, you can turn that corner and never look back. Take care.
Thanks, Ms. Savvy. I indeed hope 2009 is much better. Thanks for visiting.
Comment by savvy — December 9, 2008 @ 9:43 am
I enjoyed your tribute. Many Blessing to you and your family! Thanks for sharing it.
Cici, welcome to my spot and thanks much for the compliment. I believe my folks enjoyed it also. 50 years is a long time to be with someone!
Comment by cici — December 9, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
That was beautiful Pro.
Thanks much, Ms. CreoleInDC. I really do appreciate your kind words.
Comment by CreoleInDC — December 10, 2008 @ 11:26 am
The video was beautiful. Congrats to your parents and all the people who were able to share in that special celebration. I pray my dh and I will see 50 years one day as well. Much love. Q
Welcome, Ms. Queeny and much love right back atcha. Thanks much for your warm words. You guys will see 50 years, God willing. Take care and don’t be a stranger.
Comment by Queeny — December 11, 2008 @ 12:40 am
Man!! Your parents’ relationship is an inspiration to more than just your family. I think I only have one or two couples in my immediate family who have been married for 50+ years. It’s good to see they aren’t strange for sticking it out.
Hostess, I’m glad to read your words. I know one woman in my fellowship who says she doesn’t even know who her parents are. Mom gave her and a sibling to other family. And this woman endured years of sexual abuse. I hear her story and makes me realize how blessed I am.
Comment by Hostess — December 15, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Here’s to you and your family!!! My grands just celebrated 67 years. Those models of strong families are so important and give younguns like me something to which to aspire.
67 years???? Wow!!!! That’s two thirds of a century!!!! Congratulations to them!!!
Comment by A — December 26, 2008 @ 11:12 am