Happy Anniversary!

Today is my parent's wedding anniversary. 43 years.

I suspect my father is driving a truck down the road somewhere. My mother is working quietly at her desk. I also suspect their evening will be quiet as the farmhouse fades into the setting sun.

I appreciate their quiet dedication to each other and their family. I am so lucky.

Often, society encourages celebrations and flamboyance to mark special days. Hallmark has built an empire on this notion. With age, I realize that an anniversary really marks another year of living and learning and working hard at a commitment to each other. It isn't always easy. It isn't always fun. It isn't always a celebration. It is quietly persevering through the challenges of living that are inevitably wrought with frustrations and intertwined with joy.

This fall, a new friend was sharing a story with me about some folks in their quiet little Arizona town. The story has stayed in my heart. He is a janitor. She is a wife and mother. Together they raised six children. They lived humbly in their modest home. They carefully provided for the needs of their children. Early in their marriage they agreed to forego presents for each other, choosing instead to spend their money on the necessities. Their children are grown now and a testament to their commitment and hard work.

Upon the approach of their 50th wedding anniversary, the husband quietly came to my friend. He wanted to buy his wife a present for the first time in celebration of their anniversary. He wanted it to be special. He had been carefully saving for months. He thought a special perfume set might be nice, but he was unsure, so he was asking for help. She affirmed his choice and helped select a beautiful perfume set. He presented his surprise gift to his wife on their anniversary. She was so delighted. Later he shared how he watched his wife clear her little dressing table and gently unpack her first gift and proudly display it. Her obvious joy brought him so much happiness.

50 years.

It really is about the little moments. The thought. The gesture. The complete love and devotion.