Celebrating the Day They Were Wed

At the end of a long and winding road, you should pause to look over the journey. Today is the 69^th wedding anniversary for my parents, Frank and Virginia. We will join with them tonight for a quiet dinner and a movie. My dad is legally blind now but if he sits close enough to the television, he can see some images.

During WWII, my father served on a subchaser. In 1951, Gary Cooper starred in a film called; You're in the Navy Now. It is a comedic look at the ninety-day wonders who served during WWII. My father only saw the film once but has often talked about how enjoyable it was and how many memories it resurfaced for him.

I bought the DVD on Amazon and tonight after sharing a meal with them and reminiscing about old times, we'll be watching the film. You can see the trailer here.

The film was originally scheduled to be called, The USS Teakettle, but they changed the name before the film was released.

This may sound like a peculiar way to celebrate 69 years of marriage but you would have to understand my parents. My mom's happiness is directly dependent upon my father's joy. Perhaps when all is said and done, this could very well be the secret to a long and happy marriage.

It wasn't always easy and they have endured the most imaginable tragedies. They have buried their firstborn together, said final goodbye's to most of their siblings, their parents and watched several of their children and grandchildren's marriages crumble.

From these two lovebirds were hatched a legacy of a total of twenty-one (including four kids, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandkids).

Today is my parent's 69^th Wedding Anniversary and if you're wondering how they lasted so long and remained so steadfast, true and happy, they would tell you --

I married the love of my life.