Today is my parents 48th wedding anniversary. Forty-eight years, it is a little hard for me to process the enormity of that. I've been thinking a lot about them today, glimpses of little memories here and there brought more than a handful of smiles to my face. I've had very few opportunities to speak publicly about them and share with others the really impressive people they are. The ironic thing is, I don't think they see themselves as impressive at all and, truth be told, I think they are surprised when people are not like them - when they behave in ways that do not demonstrate kindness, generosity, or helpfulness.
Eight years ago, my parents were celebrating their 40th anniversary and their respective retirements. We organized a small celebration and I had a chance to share with the attendees how amazing these two people are.
I re-read what I said that night when it was my turn at the podium and rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm sharing those words from 2010 again here, tonight, because those words still ring true.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I was going to say to all of you tonight about our parents. There is so much that could be said, they truly are 2 of the most exceptional people I know. I could talk about when my Mom first brought my Dad to a family gathering at her house and how her Mother was slightly annoyed. I could talk about my Dad’s tour of duty in the Army or my Mom having the distinction of being the first woman on an ambulance crew in Mystic. I could go on about how my dad worked all day long and then went to school at night to get his Associates’ Degree. I could talk about how while that was difficult for him to juggle and balance, that the person who sacrificed just as much if not more during that time was my Mom. While all that is quite impressive, it just didn’t seem like it was enough.
A few nights ago, I asked my husband what I should say about my parents here tonight. He barely thought before he answered simply “they always put everyone else first” - - - He was exactly right – whether it was coaching a team, leading a troop, devoting countless hours to the North Stonington Ambulance Association, teaching the babysitter course, acting as the Chairman of the School Building Committee, they always seemed to find the time when no one else did. Their lives have been committed to service.
I think if you asked my parents what their biggest accomplishment is, what the one thing they are most proud of is they wouldn’t mention any of those achievements I listed. I think they would say it was their family. They taught us to be honest, trust-worthy, generous, and thoughtful. To help out when you can, in whatever way you can. We learned by example that if you worked hard and did your best good things will come to you. My parents believe that a family is, above all other things, loyal to each other. A family supports each other in good times and during the struggles, that is what has been instilled in us.
My sister and I attend a church where every week the service starts with the proclamation “Whoever you are and where ever you are on life’s journey you are always welcome here.” That could easily be painted on a plaque and hung on the wall at 11 Mains Crossing Rd because that was the way my parents built their house - the house that built Heather, Heidi and David and all the other friends and family that were welcomed inside those walls.
I speak for our family when I say that we are privileged to call these two people Mom and Dad. Please join us in congratulating them on their distinguished careers and 40 years of marriage.
