G & G
I sat down this evening to write a post about K’s grandparents. They just celebrated 66 years of marriage. I wish I had something eloquent to say about their years together, the family they’ve built, and the example they’ve set. But try as I might tonight, the thoughts I am feeling in my heart are not expressing themselves onto my keyboard.
I have started this post over about 7 times, and each time I delete it. Because I want to say the perfect thing. I want to write a statement that expresses what they’ve taught me about love and marriage, about being a partner, a parent and a grandparent. I want to acknowledge that their life has not been without its share of struggles. And I want them to know that observing them give so freely of their love over the years has inspired me to give more freely of my own love.
I want to thank them.
They have four children, thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Plus the spouses of their children and the spouses of some of their grandchildren. There is no distinction in who is adopted, who is a step-something or who is an in-law, everyone is just family, loved just like their own children. It is a big family. It is a welcoming family.
And yet, when you are with them, it doesn’t feel big at all. It feels special. You feel special. Because you are hugged and kissed and told “I love you” over and over again, like you are the only one that matters. They are close to each of their children in different ways. Every grandchild is their favorite and every great grandchild is the smartest and the cutest, the most perfect and the most wonderful.
Everyone is appreciated for who you are. You aren’t expected to be or to give any more than who you are. And who you are is always enough.
They manage to know what is going on, who is where and who is doing what. They always have stories about everyone, from the past and from the present. They keep this family connected, despite the many miles and oceans that sometimes separate it. And they have established a bond that will connect generations of this family for the future.
They have a community of friends who they value and they are devoted to their faith. Their belief in God and prayer is strong. They read and they play cards with friends. They listen to music on tapes and they still write letters. They volunteer their time and they get dressed up for dinner. I can’t think of a time when an event, or an occasion, or even a simple Sunday afternoon spent playing Scrabble hasn’t been marked with a comment of, “We’re so blessed.” or “God is so good to us.”
I look at this amazing couple and I hope that someday I have four grown children who will love me as much as these two are loved. I hope I have a close relationship with each of them. I hope I will have a dozen grandchildren, who will call and write and email and visit. I hope I will know as much about each of my grandchildren as they do. And I hope I can make it to as many of my great grandchildren’s activities as they have.
I hope I can make each person in my family, now and in the future, feel special. And important. And loved.
It’s something I’m lucky enough to be learning by example.
Happy Anniversary G & G.
Posted: April 28th, 2008 under Picture Posts, So Good..
Comments: 22
Comments
Comment from JanMary, N Ireland
Time: April 28, 2008, 1:06 am
Beautifully written - and how wonderfully blessed you all are to have them.
Comment from Jdude
Time: April 28, 2008, 5:36 am
Wow! This is my favorite post ever! So heartfelt and so genuine! What wonderful people - sometimes we focus so much on the bad people in the world, we forget that it is wonderful individuals like these that make our world a better place. A place where we love to be with our children.
thank you
Comment from Melanie
Time: April 28, 2008, 6:48 am
I hope G&G have access to your blog…Wow, 66 years is a long time. It is a rare occasion to celebrate such a long marriage. Very nicely put Lisa.
Comment from Ellen
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:01 am
I want to be related to them - they sound amazing!!! You are blessed!
Comment from sheila
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:15 am
that’s a beautiful tribute. they have accomplished what I hopee to accomplish- making a difference in the life of another. Making those around me truly feel loved and accepted. What an wonderful couple and example, indeed.
Congratulations to them!
Comment from sheila
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:15 am
that’s a beautiful tribute. they have accomplished what I hopee to accomplish- making a difference in the life of another. Making those around me truly feel loved and accepted. What an wonderful couple and example, indeed.
Congratulations to them!
Comment from Jen on the Edge
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:22 am
I understand completely. My grandparents were married 61 years and I know exactly what you mean.
Comment from Robyn
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:28 am
They might be the cutest things EVER. They look very hugable. I admire that in people.
Congrats to them on 66 years. Wow.
PS - Your grandparents know how to email? That deserves a kudos all by itself.
Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: April 28, 2008, 8:54 am
I have tears in my eyes. That picture of them at the end did me in.
They are heroes.
Comment from Jennifer
Time: April 28, 2008, 9:01 am
What a beautifully written tribute to G&G! You did great!
They sound like truly wonderful people!
Smiles,
Jen
Comment from Queen B
Time: April 28, 2008, 9:23 am
Ok that choked me up.
That is a beautifully written testimony of two beautiful people.
Lovely.
Comment from carrie
Time: April 28, 2008, 9:35 am
What a sweet tribute–I hope they will read it! It is so nice to reflect on what a blessing grandparents are in our lives. It reminded me very much of my husband’s dear grandparents. They, too, are amazing. I feel very blessed to be a part of the family! Thanks for sharing.
Comment from Autumn Dahlia
Time: April 28, 2008, 12:20 pm
Totally crying reading that!! They sound like such sweet people. Are they looking to adopt any grandchildren?? Pick me! Pick me!
Comment from Becoming Me
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:12 pm
Beautiful post. How precious. My Great grandparents will be celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary this November. How amazing is true love.
Comment from Wendi
Time: April 28, 2008, 7:23 pm
What a beautiful tribute and what a cute little couple!
Comment from Alice Gold
Time: April 28, 2008, 8:21 pm
If every family could be headed up bu such wise, selfless, and loving role models..this world would be quite a different place.
Comment from Drama Mama
Time: April 28, 2008, 8:28 pm
WOW- I almost cried- They are so sweet- My dream is to live long enough to be just like them- how awesome- You are blessed to have them!
Comment from Chrissy
Time: April 28, 2008, 8:56 pm
Amazing! Such a beautiful tribute! Written, very very well! Beautiful, I want this too!
Comment from Jackie
Time: April 28, 2008, 10:15 pm
Absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful way to honor the those special people in your life. They are seriously the cutest couple….even in this picture you can see the love shining through. Great job!
Comment from Ann G
Time: April 29, 2008, 3:11 pm
what a blessing to have grandparents still alive, happily married. What a legacy your children have in their great-grandparents. May they continue to bless you, your husband, and your children for many more years.
Comment from Mary@notbefore7
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:26 pm
I love this post. This is a beautiful tribute and it is so clearly heartfelt. It is written perfectly! They are absolutely adorable. What a blessing their legacy will be.
Comment from Carolyn
Time: May 2, 2008, 9:29 pm
Oh what a wonderful post this was! I just loved it! Thanks for sharing their beautiful story! And kudos to all of you!
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