Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad - September 27, 2010

In 1954, my father was close to finishing his tour of duty after having served during the Korean War. He returned to the states and married my mother. He finished out his military career at a military base in Texas.

Around their first wedding anniversary I was brought home from the hospital. My mother handed me to my father and said "Happy Anniversary," here is your gift. My father, not to be out done, handed my mother three dish towels and said "Happy Anniversary."

On Monday September 27, 2010, they will celebrate 56 years of marriage. Their life together did not include a fancy wedding, an expensive honeymoon, or even a new home. It started out with love between two people of little means who believed they could make a life together for what eventually became a family of five by adding: me, my sister, and brother.

As they live out their golden years 56 years later in their own home in a quiet community in Pennsylvania, I am happy to report they were and continue to be wonderful parents. They have set an example I am still trying to live up to. It makes me smile to know they are still in love and lasted years longer than the three dish towels my father gave my mother. Unfortunately, too many marriages today don't outlast the first set of dish towels purchased at the outset of their marriage. You don't marry someone you can live with; you marry the person who you cannot live without.” Happy Anniversary mom and dad!

PS My wife Valerie and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage on July 11, 2011!