Today I went to a party that was organized by Dave's mom and her siblings. We celebrated wedding anniversaries and family legacies. Dave's Uncle Bill and Aunt Gerri have been married for 55 years. His Uncle Jim and Aunt Los have been married for 52 years (And apparently at least three of those years have been good ones. Wink). Dave's parents have been married for 45 years. His Uncle Dick and Aunt Edith have been married for 35 years. It is so nice to have this example of commitment in the family and to celebrate with them. The newlyweds of six months, Uncle Curtis and Aunt Dodie, also display a solid dedication to one another.
As part of the celebration Dave's mom and siblings shared scrap books, a power point presentation, brought photos and shared memories of their dad. It was important to them that the next generation know the man who shaped so much of who they are.
Dave's Grandpa Earnest was a man that Dave, the boys, and I never had the privilege of knowing. He passed away in November of 1957, but his legacy lives on in this family. I have only been in the family for 7 1/2 years, so it was neat to get a peak into the qualities of Dave's grandfather.
The things which stood out to me and made me smile were things that reminded me of the most important guys in my life. It is neat to be able to see where some of the characteristics of my Dave, K, Jay, and Noe come from.
Confidence,
A good work ethic,
Meticulousness,
A simple and practical faith,
Providing a warm and family centered home.
Hearing Dave's mom, aunts, and uncles talking about their dad and the impact he had on their lives made me think about the importance of what we leave behind.
Some days I get caught up in materialism. Some days I think of the things we can't provide for our boys. Some days I lose track of what really matters.
Today I was reminded that what will outlast my life will be the investment I make in the lives of those I love.
time,
making memories,
love,
faith.
Pictured here are: Aunt Lois and Uncle Jim, Aunt Edith and Uncle Dick, Dad Al and Mom Arlona, Aunt Gerri and Uncle Bill, Aunt Dodie and Uncle Curtis
16 comments:
I loved reading this post! I love hearing about how family have carried on the good things throughout the generations. It is neat to see families that have left (and are leaving) such a strong legacy!
My 2 sets of grandparents just celebrated their 51th and 56th wedding anniversaries! Their faith in the Lord is deeper even than their love for each other. My grandmother who has Alzheimer's doesn't remember very much at all, but can recite the Bible passages and hymns she learned as a child.
These, like you said, are things that last. Thanks for sharing...
What a great post, Wendi! That kind of legacy is wonderful (my son will find out when he's 18 that he has that kind of legacy in his birth family).
It was a great idea to get together and celebrate their commitment and lives. My parents made up scrapbooks for us kids (married 53 yrs) and they are so enjoyable for both kids and grandkids.
I'm glad you had such a good time!
what a great idea for a celebration!!! And a good reminder of what is really important! Thanks!
You have married into an amazing family with a great legacy of love and committment. It is so inspiring to hear of couples that have stayed together so long, and have instilled that into the generations after them.
This week I was with some non-Christians and when I told them I had been married for 11 years they all showed shock and surprise. It is so sad that we live in a society where permanence of marriage is not the norm.
What a wonderful post. I never thought much of family until I married into a real one. I never met Melvin Cox. (Rob's paternal grandfather) But he is spoken of often and toasted at every wedding, birthday, and gathering we have with the family. I remember clearly sitting with Rob watching a horse race when I smelled pipe smoke. Clear as day. Then I sensed something and Melvin's name went through my head. I looked at Rob in disbelief, he said "What's the matter?" I said "Did your grandpa smoke a pipe?"
"Yes."
"Grandpa Melvin?"
"Yes, why?"
"You don't smell that?"
"Smell what?"
"That smell, like someone smoking a pipe?"
"No."
His name stronger in my mind.
"Rob, is today his birthday?"
"No, it's in November. Why are you asking me about..."
I interrupted him.
"It's their anniversary!"
"Whose?"
"Melvin and Ruths!"
I ran downstairs to the bookshelf and got the scrapbook we were given of Melvin and Ruths love story, each of us got a copy. I flipped open to the wedding photo and saw the date SURE enough it was June 7, 1939. I ran back upstairs, Rob was intently looking at me, I said "I think Melvin was here and wanted to say hi."
The crazy part of this, Rob didn't think I was crazy! Melvin died years before Rob and I even met, I didn't know a whole lot about him. But I was very comforted that he was here.
Rob made me tell his dad the story and he shed a tear and asked "The next time you see my dad will you ask him to come see me?"
What do you say to THAT? I didn't really "see" him I just thought him and smelled pipe? But I totally believe with all my heart that Melvin stopped by.
Legacies are SUCH blessings. Mine has completly changed because of my Husband and his adoring family.
Thanks for reporting to those of us who weren't there to enjoy the family time!
Life is in the small stuff!! Good reminders!
What a wonderful way to celebrate commitment. What a legacy we have the honor to leave to our children and beyond.
Bless you, Cindy
That is so awesome that you have those martial commitments in your family to look to for examples. Praise the Lord!
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda
So very true Wendi.
Love to you precious lady!
Hey! You need to stop by my blog! There is a bit of a surprise awaiting you there!! ;)
Muah!
this was a beautiful post. what a blessing to see a legacy and heritage of faith...how i pray this might be true for my own little fam.
how wonderful...what a great tribute to dave's family.
You touched my heart today. What blessing it is to be part of a family that proudly upholds thier faith and proudly recalls those who taught them to do so in the first place. You are part of a blessed legacy and one that the Lord will honor for generations to come.
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