“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Dear Mama and Papa,
50 years is quite a legacy. When I saw the scripture verse above, it reminded me of you. I won’t overly romanticize your relationship just because it’s lasted this long. I know that neither of you is COMPLETELY humble, gentle or patient 100% of the time. We are a fully human, fallible family. But as great as I do think you both are, I know it takes lots of “bearing with one another in love” to make it to a 50th anniversary. If the world took that commandment more seriously, many, many more marriages would go the distance.
Until I sat down to write this letter, I hadn’t fully grasped of the generational example we are privileged to have. Not one known divorce in my direct line as far as we can trace. How rare and wonderful! I cherish the love stories of you and my grandparents. I still get giddy when I’m lucky enough to hear them. That you grew up together and were always friends makes your two lives joined as one that much sweeter. And what a gift that I witnessed your love and marriage first hand!
Papa, your single-minded devotion to my mom taught me what to expect from a man. You may have lost your cool with her occasionally, but your anger never lasted more than a few minutes. I watched you date her and show her affection and prefer her company to any others. You exemplified the Proverbs’ directive to “rejoice in the wife of your youth.”(5:18) I made a lot of mistakes as I searched for my mate, but because of you, I knew the kind of man I wanted to marry. I held out for someone who would treat me like you treat Mama. And he loves me well. Thank you.
Mama, you have a servant’s heart. To know you is to be blessed by you. And you serve your husband devotedly. For years you have cooked his meals, mended his clothes and kept a fine house for him. You have chored and worked side by side. But even more important than how you have served is the way you respect him. You believed in him and championed him even when others didn’t. And you prayed. Oh, how you faithfully prayed for your husband and your children. I am not quite the cook and homemaker you are (you learned from the best), but I’m following your example (and asking for your advice) whenever I can – and praying for a similar outcome.
You both put God first, and each other second. And that is why we are all here to celebrate such a momentous milestone. I love you.
Happy Anniversary!
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