Today is my parent’s 63rd wedding anniversary. We started the day by going to church. My dad bought my mom a rose corsage that she proudly wore to publicize the special day. I had called the church office a few days ago to see if my parents could get a special blessing. My mom and dad did not know I had done this. I arrived at church a little earlier than my parents and talked with the priest to get things set. Then, much to my parent’s surprise, the priest came over, congratulated them on 63 years of marriage, and talked with them about how he would like to do the blessing. Before the end of Mass, the priest came to where my parents were seated and read the special blessing as he, the deacon, and everyone there extended hands over them. It was beautiful and I couldn’t stop smiling. We came home for lunch and a little rest. Then my parents were off to the symphony which they hold season tickets for. It was nice that it just happened to land on this day. We had decided earlier that after the concert, we would meet for dinner. What they did not know was that I arranged for my sisters, brother, nephew, and a good friend of theirs to meet us as well. Needless to say, they were pretty surprised. It was great to be able to celebrate my parents’ commitment to one another for 63 years. I know it has not all been fun or easy, but what a blessing to have someone you know you can count on, trust, and love at your side for the long haul. As my mom put it in her card to my dad, “The world is a better place because you are in it.” They have been an inspiration to me, their family, and friends.

I Found God today in celebrating my parents’ life long marriage commitment to one another.