There just aren’t words to describe how incredible my parents are…but I’ll give it a shot.
Have you ever been around a couple who absolutely radiate with love for each other? That’s my folks. You could see them from 10 miles away and know that they live for each other. As long as I can remember, they have been that way. They have been married for 27 years, and you would think that they just started dating. They still get that googly eyed look when they see each other. They still mouth “I love you” to each other from across the room. They still want to be with each other every moment of their day and miss one another when they are apart. Talk about amazing role models.
Not only have they been an amazing example of a God glorifying marriage, they have been spectacular parents. Mom stayed at home with us three girls and home schooled us all the way through, while Dad worked his tail off to provide for us. They taught us to be self sufficient, to treat others with respect, to be confident in ourselves, to serve one another, and that no matter what, they would always love us and each other. Mom always rallied us to make sure that the house was picked up so that when Dad walked through the door at the end of a long day, he would walk into a home rather than a hurricane. Mom would always clean herself up for him at the end of the day too. She would wipe the exhaustion away and make every attempt to be refreshed for him. What a servant. Every morning we saw that they would spend an hour or so drinking coffee together, then mom would make breakfast for Dad and send him on his way. Then mom would always spend time in the Word. Again, what an amazing example to set. They still have that same routine to this day. They serve each other unconditionally as if to themselves. Seriously, these people are amazing.
Look at the joy on their faces! No wonder people gravitate toward them!
Today is my dad’s 50th birthday. We have the privilege to celebrate a man who has always served us, always respected us, always cared for us in every way, and has always always taught us that even though he loves us with every fiber of his being, it’s not even close to the love of our Heavenly Father. (Boy, am I glad that I get to type this and don’t have to say it out loud…tears!)
This man took us on Daddy dates on a regular basis. He hugged us when he saw us and never left the house without saying “I love you”. As a dad of thee girls, he did a fantastic job teaching us that we deserve men who will always love and serve us. He also showed us how a husband should treat his wife. That has been an invaluable lesson, as my older sister and I have been blessed with finding husbands who have carried on Dad’s example. He has served, provided, and entertained us with an enormous amount of joy and humility. A better dad doesn’t exist in the world.
Oh, and did I mention that both of my parents are totally hot? Oh…I didn’t need to say that, did I? Your faces are being melted off just by looking at them…silly me.
Look at the grace and confidence with which Mom holds herself. Stunning. It takes guts to be a mom, particularly a stay at home mom! I’m learning this now, but Mom has always made it looks so easy. She has been able to teach and care for us girls and my dad, keep an impeccable house, do pretty much any artistic thing under the sun, cook up a storm, and look like a movie star in the process. She’s gorgeous, brilliant, crafty (in the good way), humble, witty, and all around spectacular. What a fox. 🙂
Oh they’re so cute.
Mom and Dad, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so wonderful. Thank you for the sacrifices that you made for us, for teaching us what to live for, for loving us, and for loving each other.
If we can be half as successful in marriage and parenthood as you are, our kids will be seriously blessed.
Now, as an adult, I’m proud to say that not only are you the best parents anyone could ask for, you’re two of my best friends. I love you both!!