They have quite a story--they met at a party in Sacramento in August 1968. Within about a month, they were engaged. Grandma Bean was worried when Mom told her, but her fears were soothed when Mom simply said, "Mama, he's my best friend."
And indeed, he is. Forty-two years later, my parents are still happy to spend time with one another. They don't even mind having me tag along, which is nice, because I like being with them.
It hasn't always been easy. Dad was an Air Force man when he met Mom--and the conflict/war in Vietnam was already raging. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" has particular poignance for my parents--because there was never any guarantee that Dad would come back. Military marriages fail all the time, but Mom and Dad held strong and made it work.
These days, you'll find them hanging out in their home in Sun City Lincoln Hills. It's a community for people who are 55 and older. Mom is involved with the Needle Arts group; Dad just finished a year as president of the Veteran's Affairs group. They have a few seperate interests but spend most evenings together at home. They still enjoy travelling together.
It's this marriage that has given me the standards I have--I want that kind of friendship, that kind of commitment. I have learned from the best that a strong marriage has its moments of weakness and fighting, but always rallies back because there is genuine love and friendship at its core.
So Happy Anniversay, Mom and Dad! Here's to many more. I love you.
2 comments:
This is so awesome! I hope to have a story like this one day.
Now we know who you get your great smile from! Your parents are adorable and your mother is a stunner.
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