This past Saturday, my parents celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary, but I wouldn’t say there was much of a celebration. They didn’t get the chance to focus on themselves -- my mom worked a twelve hour day and my dad helped me pack for college. But honestly, this is completely normal for them. The last 22 years hasn’t been about them. It has been about the life they’ve built.
In my parents’ first year of marriage, their world was forever changed with the birth of their first child. From then on, their nights out with friends soon became nights in taking care of their family. Their date nights and weekend getaways were replaced with soccer games and dance recitals. My mom was the proudest dance mom there ever was, and my dad turned into the toughest soccer coach in town. They embraced parenthood, showing my brother and me that we came first, no matter what.
I’ve seen my parents struggle, love, support, honor and challenge each other. I’ve seen them laugh until they cried and cry until they laughed. I’ve seen them tired, emotionally and physically. I’ve seen them through richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Through it all, though, they are side by side –- supporting one another without hesitation.
I've seen my mom work late nights, sacrificing family time to support us and I've watched as my dad eventually earn the highest position at his company. Still, they didn't miss a single soccer game, Friday night football game, choir concert, dance recital or school assembly. They found joy in seeing us succeed; they couldn't have been more supportive as parents.
They aren't the perfect couple, and they don't have all the answers. They have definitely struggled as parents and as husband and wife, but that is what is important -- they endured the hard times as husband and wife. They kept Christ as the center of their struggles and blessings. They continue to love each other despite the roller coaster of life.
I can't wait to see where my parents will go in life, as my brother and I are going off to college. I can't wait to watch in admiration as they endure this new life adventure together, a life as empty-nesters. I wonder what their life will look like together. I can only pray for blessings and true happiness for them as husband and wife and as my mom and dad.
Their marriage may not be perfect, but they are definitely living their own happily ever after.
