Tuesday, June 14, 2005

A good marriage, and buying cards.

I bought some cards yesterday.  When did cards get so expensive?  I hope my buddy Russ is making some good $$$$, 'cause I'm broke after this week!  In a six day span, I have my parent's anniversary, my Dad's birthday, my anniversary, and Father's Day.  ACK!

I found the appropriate cards, although missing mom and dad's anniversary by a day.  Damn.  I knew they were all in a row, but missed that one by a day.  The other's are covered.

On Friday, I will be married for 10 years.  Wow.  My first one lasted 2 years, Kevin's first one lasted a bit over 2 years.  I didn't have high expectations of marriage from my experience.  Then there was my parents.

My parents have the greatest marriage.  Feminists would be appalled at what Mom does for Dad, and what he expects.  Her world revolves around him.  His meals, his needs, his wants...they're all HER responsibility.  Dad will build a "cabin" for mom, board 3 horses (all the while hating the thought) and install something to water cattle year-round, so she doesn't have to break ice.

Mom can be a loner, going to bed at 8 whether there are guests in the house or not.  Dad can chase off an annoying visitor, whether the other folks want them around or not.  Mom can tell you that you did something stupid, while Dad thinks it could be handled in a more subtle manner.  Dad can tell you that you did something stupid, while Mom thinks it could be handled in a more subtle manner.

They bring out the best in each other, and hide the other's flaws.  I love them dearly, and pattern my own marriage after theirs.  I hope to, someday, be half as happy as they are.  There are no words to describe what they mean to me, and what they've done for my life.

Thank you, Mom and Dad for putting up with so much.  Thanks for teaching me what compromise means.  Thanks for keeping my horse.  Thanks for feeding us when we visit.  Thanks for modeling the perfect marriage.  Thanks for being...you.  I love you, and owe you everything.  Everything.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the vote of confidence.  Thanks for the lovely grandchildren.  Thanks for bringing Kevin into our lives.  And yes, I wish for you as good a marriage ( and as good a life) as I've had.

Anonymous said...

Alas -- I don't get a commission on the cards sold.  But you said more in this entry about your folks than a whole staff of Hallmark writers could.  Thank God most people aren't like that!!  I'd be homeless!  LOL

Anonymous said...

O gee. Between you and your mama, I have a red ,stopped up nose and watery eyes.

Anonymous said...

Girl I bet you would bring tears to your Mama's eyes to read this!  What a sweet testimony to thier love and their marriage.  Who could expect a better anniversary card than this!  ;)  -  Barbara

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a pair. This is better then any card you could ever buy. Paula

Anonymous said...

Cards are awfully expensive.  Sometimes we make them at home.  A good computer program for printing them is fun.  
I know your parents are proud of you!  I read your Mom's journal and I know she was proud to read your journal and to know how much you appreciate and love them.  The words you have written are quite an honor for parents to read.  Sounds like she raised a good one!  I read your journal but don't always comment (I have so many and am so behind) --like this entry was on 6/14. So I'm 6 days behind on alerts.  LOL!
Sonya