Saturday, July 18, 2009

Do as I do.




Dear Mum and Dad:

Forty years ago you made promises to each other that you didn't know the meaning of. Marriages are made too early in a life: people make vows too young, and they move into life together with the glittery dust of youthful love in their eyes. A lot of the time, when the hardships of life together have wiped most of it away, there are plenty of excuses to forsake those promises.

You, together, have chosen to stand by your word. In spite of every little - and not so little - reason you might have found not to, you decided to keep your vows.

We, your children, have had before us an example of excellence, of perseverence, of love and determined joy, found in all the years we have watched you live, work, fight, love and endure, together.

Thank you for showing us what you have shown, for equipping us for our own marriages and the raising of our children.

We love you, as you love us and each other.

Happy anniversary.

10 comments:

kate said...

Such family resemblance I can see!!

Happy Anniversary to two fabulous people. (I know for sure one is fabulous and I know the other must be, because hey, they raised you!)
....

But you know I respectfully disagree on the getting married too young. The time is right when it is right. It's the knowing it is right that is the key. Trusting yourself to know if it is, and trusting yourself to know if it isn't.

Gena said...

Happy Anniversary to them!

Gwen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gwen said...

Waaah! Happy anniversary Mom and Dad! I love you.

Lesley said...

Beautifully written as always Shannon. And I fully agree about the family resemblance!

Ames said...

Amen.

Cynthia said...

How old was your mother when she got married???? I'm always so thankful I didn't marry anyone I would have chosen before I was about 24! She must have had better judgment than I did.

Very sweet post, too.

mel said...

*cry, cry*

Happy anniversary to your folks Shan! Tad and I were married pretty young by today's standards - but although I think it's entirely possible to have a wonderful marriage without having had such a great example (and on the other hand to have a difficult and painful one in spite of it), I do think having the example helps! Despite any difficulties, I never questioned that my folks loved each other. And that was pretty awesome. What a wonderful tribute to your parents - thanks for sharing it.

Annalea said...

What a great wedding photo, and an even greater message. I'm so glad there are such good, strong examples of fidelity and commitment in the world today. Bravo.

Anonymous said...

Aw, that was an unexpected jolt of tears on Sunday morning... That may be my favorite-ever wedding picture, and what a wonderful post to go with it. Thanks.

--YanTanTethera, who can't remember her stupid Google Account password so is posting as "Anonymous" instead...