Celebrating My Parents' Anniversary

Today would have been my parents’ 50th anniversary. For the last three years, my dad and I have celebrated my parents’ anniversary by going out to dinner. My family always did something special for my parents’ anniversary (see pictures of 35th annivesary celebration), and I have no intention of stopping now even though my mom passed away on July 6, 2007.

Last year on my parents’ anniversary, when a friend stopped by the dinner table to chat with my dad and me, I told her the significance of the occasion. When I said my dad and I were “celebrating,” later in the conversation she used the word “remembering.” Almost immediately, I began thinking about the difference between the two words. Even though I suppose my dad and I are actually “remembering” their anniversary instead of “celebrating” it, I shall continue to “celebrate” the 17th of April each year for many reasons.

My parents were an unusual couple when they married in 1960. My daddy was 24-years-old, and my mom was almost 32-years-old. They had very little in common…my dad grew up outside Charlotte, and my mom was raised in “the country,” as she always called her family’s farm near Aynor. My dad moved to North Myrtle Beach in the late 1950’s with his family while my moved had always lived in Horry County except for two months in 1950 when she and my sister lived in San Diego while my mom’s first husband was serving in the US Navy.

In spite of the many differences my parents had, they shared some commonalities. The most significant one was the importance of church in family life. Both of my parents were Methodist, and they were married in the same church I was born into and am still a part of today. My parents instilled in me what has become the greatest blessing of my life – a solid foundation built on faith.

At times, my parents struggled more than any married couple should have. My mom was an alcoholic for at least 12 years of their marriage, and most of that time, my dad worked many long hours to avoid having to be home with her. There were many times when I was certain my parents would divorce. Even though life was sometimes very tough for my older sister, my younger brother, and me, I am so thankful that we all survived.

From my parents’ marriage, I have learned that true love does survive! So until I take my last breath or totally lose my memory, I will continue to celebrate my parents’ anniversary on April 17th.