Mom and Dad

Today marks the 63rd wedding anniversary of my parents. In thinking of them this morning and at other times, I never cease to be amazed at their faithfulness throughout the years in the face of circumstances they encountered. It truly gives meaning to the word love that is thrown about so carelessly because love is really about placing the needs and the highest good for someone else above yours. And that they both displayed. I never heard my parents complain about anything. Any disagreements they had were not displayed in front of us kids. After being dirt poor in Arkansas, they came to Tulsa, OK where dad worked a job for 31 years - manual labor, day in and day out. In the extreme heat and cold, taking a sandwich and thermos of coffee, to provide for his family. When the times came that he was laid off work, did he sit around and collect from the government? No, he always found other work. He was a humble man who loved and took care of his family. I remember him walking the floor at night with a sick baby and going to work again the next day. He brought us malts when we had sore throats. Mother stayed home with us, cooking 3 meals a day, day in and day out. No AC at our house, doing laundry on a wringer washing machine and hanging clothes out on the line. She taught us to love Jesus and prayed daily for all of us. Every Sunday saw us in Sunday School. And her smile was beautiful.

I am sorry they didn't get to see their grandchildren grow up. But I am glad they do not have to live in this crazy world as it is now. They are with Jesus.

How did they do it? It amazes me when I think of them and I thank God for them always. Wish I had told them more, shown them more, loved and appreciated them more.

I love you Mom and Dad and I appreciate all you ever did for us, most of which I probably was never even aware of.