Happy Anniversary!

Today is a pretty spectacular day.

Thirty years ago today my parents stood up in front of their family and friends and vowed to love each other for better or worse; for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and cherish from that day forward, as long as they both shall live.

They say they “met by accident,” but I think it was fate. My dad had been in a car accident and while he was at the hospital he met my mom who was working in the physical therapy department. He kept asking her out, but my mom said she wouldn’t date a patient. On his last day of physical therapy he asked her out again and this time she caved and said, “yes” since he technically wouldn’t be a patient anymore.

The rest, as they say, is history. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have them as role models as I start my own marriage. My mom is ever-so-patient dealing with my dad’s previous medical conditions, and watching her care for him while he had cancer is something I’ll remember forever. And my dad is the foundation for our family; he’s patient, loving, kind, and is always wants the best for everyone.

Since I’m currently in Georgia for their anniversary, they were gracious enough to let me (and my grandma, brother, and sister-in-law) celebrate with them last weekend. My brother and I (and Amanda, too!), worked pretty hard a couple weeks leading up to that dinner to finish their gift.

When my mom was at work and my dad was out of the house I was busy scanning in old photos from our scrapbook so I could make them a book. The result was a HUGE success (I consider “success” by how much my mom cries, and there were a lot of tears by both my mom and dad!) and looked a little something like this:

Made from Blurb. See the whole book here

I took pictures of when they opened the book, but I forgot to change my camera settings, so they didn’t turn out. But what I did take a picture of was the card(s) my brother and I got my parents. Keep in mind that we bought these at completely different times from two separate stores.

We bought them the exact same card! Seriously, what were the odds on that happening?!

And last but not least, in honor of Father’s Day:

To my Papa, thank you for giving me the wedding of my dreams and for always believing in everything I do. And most importantly, thank you for loving Mama and supporting our family. I love you!