An Enduring Love

MOM & DAD'S WEDDING/ANNIVERSARY CAKE

Today is a very special day!

For on this day—fifty-six years ago—my precious parents were wed.

MOM & DAD ON THEIR HONEYMOON IN 1955



They were merely teenagers when they made the decision to become

husband and wife.

With the consent and blessings of their parents, they committed their lives to one

 another before a justice of the peace—no fanfare, no elaborate wedding... 

just the two of them and two witnesses.

Now while most people consider the fiftieth wedding anniversary the anniversary

to celebrate, last year will most likely be the one most remembered by 

my parents and their loved ones.

It all started when my dad decided to surprise my mom with the church wedding

 she had never had, as a fifty-fifth anniversary gift.  It was to be

a simple affair—

the two of them, their children and their children's families.

Simple...

with five daughters?  I don't think so!

THE PASTOR, DAD, DAD'S BROTHER & BEST MAN

So while Mom and Dad were making plans for their simple wedding & anniversary

celebration, other plans were being made, as well.

MOM & DAD EXCHANGING VOWS



Without their knowledge, extended family members, friends, and acquaintances

were being invited to this blessed event.  And arrangements were being made for a

catered reception—something neither of them had planned for...

nor expected.

DAD KISSING HIS BRIDE OF 55 YEARS

The ceremony was incredibly sweet, and few eyes were without tears, as we witnessed

yet another testimonial of the enduring love

of my parents.

THE HAPPY BRIDE & GROOM

As I watched my dad take the hand of his bride and walk down the aisle, I was

overcome with emotion.

With five daughters, he certainly was no novice at walking brides

down church aisles.

But...

 this was the very first time he had ever walked his own bride down the aisle.

And I was blessed beyond measure to witness it!

I love you, Mom and Dad!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Happy 72nd Birthday, Dad!

A man of honor, courage, and devotion...

then...

and now.

I love you, Dad!

Happy 55th Anniversary, Mom & Dad!!!

Dad and Mom in Germany in 1956.

Inspiration

You two are an inspiration to the world.

Looking at you, we know that

soul mates can find and keep each other,

commitment means something,

a great team can overcome life’s troubles,

and love triumphs over all.

Happy Anniversary!

By Joanna Fuchs

At the beach on their honeymoon in 1955.

Thanks for setting such a wonderful example of enduring love for your family. 
I love you both very, very much!

No Greater Love

From the moment I came into this world, I have been blessed

by the love of this man.

No words spoken or written will ever be sufficient to describe the love,

 appreciation, and respect I have for him.

His heart of service and dedication to excellence have been demonstrated his

whole life.  From the time he was a young paratrooper...

and medic in the U.S. Army...

those noteworthy traits have been readily apparent.

But his role as a husband and father is where those traits have

shone the brightest.

Even as a soldier thousands of miles from home—with a young wife and 

a newborn—he met his responsibilities head-on with love,

devotion, and self-sacrifice.

I have never known a more honest, hard-working,

man of integrity than this man.

Time and again, his actions have attested to the fact that there is no sacrifice

 too great for those he loves—

his country, his friends, his family.

And his family has always had the assurance that they are his

number one priority.

I will always be eternally grateful—and proud—that I have been blessed 

to call this wonderful man, Dad!

Happy Father's Day, Dad.  I love you!  You are, and will always be, a hero to me!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life

for his friends." 

 John 15:13