A Spring of Joy

Today is my parents’ fortieth anniversary. I can’t even begin to describe what they mean to me, but here’s a start: forty things I love about them and memories we’ve made together.

1. Their love. Undying. Unconditional.
2. Mom’s heart of hospitality and service.
3. Daddy’s thoughtfulness.
4. Sitting long into the evenings talking with my parents and learning from them.
5. Daddy’s laughter. You know he’s really enjoying something when the laugh bursts out.
6. Crying over sappy movies with Mom.
7. Beach vacations and long walks in the sand.
8. My Daddy is “MacGyver”. He truly can fix anything with duct tape.
9. Baking with Mom.
10. Watching my parents with their grandchildren.
11. Daddy sitting on the deck with his Bible in hand.
12. Mom’s spirit. Always looking for a tease and a laugh.
13. Singing with Daddy’s beautiful tenor voice.
14. The smell of Italian food filling our home.
15. Opening the door to my parents’ home and being flooded with the memories.
16. The way Mom always stands at the door to wave when Daddy leaves for work. I can’t remember her ever missing a day.
17. Daddy’s beeline for Mom as soon as he gets home from work.
18. Traditions. Family rituals.
19. Road trips as kids. Singing together. Listening to “The Holy War” on cassette tape.
20. Not having much, but having more than enough.
21. Love.
22. Pizza and movie nights on Saturdays… watching the Muppet Show.
23. Daddy’s wisdom.
24. Mom’s heart.
25. Family worship. Growing up being led to Jesus.
26. Sitting on the swing with Mom. Our “counseling sessions”.
27. They are my biggest cheerleaders, thinking I can do anything and encouraging me every step of the way.
28. Sacrifice.
29. Their example. I’d give anything to have a love as deep as theirs.
30. Daddy’s humility. He truly has no idea how wonderful and gifted he is.
31. The way no one is a stranger to Mom.
32. Their home exudes comfort.
33. Commitment. To each other. To us. To others. To God.
34. Ruthless trust. They have weathered many storms, and even in struggle have never given up.
35. Reading and recommending good books with and to each other.
36. Picking up the phone (almost every day) and hearing Mom’s voice.
37. A grace-filled home.
38. Togetherness. Playing games. Laughing, walking, talking, living life.
39. The way they will drop anything and everything to help someone in need.
40. Years. FORTY of them! And here’s to MANY more.

Happy anniversary, Mom & Daddy!