Because of Them.
February 14, 1948.
She was 15.
He was 28.
Iuka, Mississippi is where they said “I do”.
Today would have been my grandparents 73rd Wedding Anniversary. Sometimes when I think about those numbers, it takes my breath away. To think about getting married at 15? And to someone who was 13 years older than me. Woah. That seems like a terrible idea, but those two did not let it stop them and they lived out “for better or worse” in the truest fashion. (the picture of those two babies above was their wedding photo).
To know me is to know my deep love and adoration for my family. Every year as Valentine’s Day rolls around I find myself thinking about how today started the family that I know and love. Not only are they my family, but the people who share my genes are some of my closet friends. That, my friends, is the goodness and kindness of our Savior on display 73 years ago, long before any of us where even a thought here on earth.
Papa was quiet and a hard worker, with a little bit of pest and some grumpies (in his old age) mixed in. He could raise a vegetable garden that was out of this world… which is why I have such a love with all things fresh veggies. That’s what I grew up on, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world. He loved big, even though he wasn’t always one that made big outward expressions of it, you never doubted his love for you. Ever.
But my Nana on the other hand, she was not as quiet and her BIG love was outwardly shown in every sense of the word. The more people in her house and around her table the better. The more mouths to feed, the happier she was. Oh my, she was a master cook, seamstress, and loved all things crafty. Yes, in case you are wondering, I am pretty much her “mini-me”.
The were different, but complimented each other well. I mean, to have been together over 50 years in earthly form, you must know the Lord and how to love each other through your differences. What an example.
Together they raised three incredible kids. Saw five grand kids enter this world, and successfully spoiled all five. And before Papa passed away, two of the grands were married and had kids of their own. And then Nana was able to witness two more weddings and even more great grands. In total, their current legacy is three kids (+2 spouses), 5 grands (+4 spouses), and now 13 great-grands! I know that they smile (and probably share a good laugh) from above watching our lives unfold.
One of my most favorite things is seeing little traits displayed in us that no doubt came from them. From loving to cook and host, to raising flowers and a garden, to loving a good yard sale, and being a pest… just to name a few. Those moments when I get to see these little snippets in my family, it is like a smile from Heaven. A little reminder that we are who we are because of them. And that is the most precious of gifts, to be like them is an honor.
Yes, today is Valentine’s Day, a day that has become so heavily commercialized, but to me, today is the day my family began. And for that day I will forever be thankful.
Were they perfect? Far from it.
Is our family perfect? Not even close.
But that, to me, is the beauty of it. The fights that make you want to make up. The love that surpasses the bad days. The laughs that carry you, through both the good and the bad. The memories that have filled (and continue to fill) those deep creases of your mind that will always be with you. And a bond that will forever be unbroken. Why? Because that is who they taught us to be. You don’t run when things are hard, you press on, fighting for those you love, even when it’s hard and you kinda want to hurt them in that moment. ;)
Thank you, Jesus, for these two incredibly special people. Because they knew YOU and they taught us to know and love You, we are who we are today. We love each other hard, and we love You even harder. The legacy they left behind points to You, and for that I could not be more thankful. Your kindness to us in allowing these two to be ours is more than my heart can handle. It overwhelms me in the best of ways.
As I try to wrap this up, I struggle with how to put my love for them and the family that they created into words. The love is deep. The adoration is strong. And the thankfulness is greater than I can express. That is because these two instilled those traits into me. To be to my family who these two always were to us.
Nana and Papa, as tears well up in my eyes this afternoon, and as I long to see your faces, I am reminded that I WILL see you soon. And that will be the most glorious of days, standing before our Savior singing Holy, Holy, Holy for all of eternity. Oh Happy Day!
Valentine’s Day may be a “day of love” full of flowers, cards, and chocolate (which are all great things, just ask my Nana), but to me, it will always be more than that. It will always be the day in which my family started.
Happy Anniversary, you two, I love you more than words could ever express!