50 years

Frank is beginning to get back into a routine...a routine that has been somewhat disrupted for the better part of the past month by the preparations leading up to his parent's 50th anniversary celebration. He and his sister, Tammy (not to be confused with his wife Tammy...) have been planning, along with their respective spouses, Tammy and Scott, this celebration for the majority of the past year.

It was a nice affair. Held in the fellowship hall of a church, catered, with a brief program, it allowed for the gathering of friends and relatives from the past 50 years. There were about 70 people there, some Frank hadn't seen, or thought of for that matter, in quite awhile. It was really good to meet some of his parents new friends and remember and share for this joyous celebration.

Frank took it upon himself to produce a video of images and pictures from those years and set it to music. It turned out good, or at least that's what everyone told him, and Frank took a great deal of pride in his work. Having worked though volumes of loose pictures, submissions from family members and friends, and trying to whittle down to a reasonable length, it was a work of monumental proportions. How does one go about condensing 50 years of images to a short video?

This morning, over coffee and doughnuts, Frank began thinking about 50 years ago. What was going on in 1959? That year, Cuba was taken over by Castro. Rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. The first Daytona 500 was run. The Cold War was approaching its height and the Vietnam War was beginning. The phones, where available, were rotary dial, Eisenhower was President and there was an up and coming star on the political stage, a senator from Massachusetts, John F Kennedy.

But, there were two people in love...her a southern belle from Tennessee, he a soldier from western Pennsylvania stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. Both young and eager to set off on their on, but I'm sure as we all are at such times, somewhat scared and apprehensive as to the holdings of the future. Before long, their marriage was blessed by two children, Frank and Tammy. There were challenges, there were hardships, but they filled their home with love. Before long, the kids were grown and on their on, and soon they were again blessed with children...grandchildren this time. First came Allison, then Jonathan and Kaitlyn and surprise, surprise, here comes Kendall.
When the grandchildren are about, there is a twinkle in the eyes of the grandparents that cannot be put out!

So, here's to 50 years of marriage...a milestone? absolutely. Is it something we can all aspire to achieve...yes. Thanks Mom and Dad for marrying, for loving, for facing the challenges and providing a loving home. Thanks for being there as we entered adulthood and letting us spread our wings...but, being available to pick us up when we fell. Thanks for being there to share the joy of our children, the challenges we face, and for just being our friends.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad...enjoy your vacation!