30 years ago today

Thirty years ago today, a lovely girl with flowing auburn hair and bright blue eyes said her I-do's to a tall man with a pair of sweet chops and a big smile.  They spoke their words in a tiny wedding chapel with only a few family members to hear it (they actually bumped the wedding a little because my uncle got hungry and they had to stop for something to eat). 

Little fanfare, little to-do.  Lots of love.

They met where all great loves begin -- the skating rink.  My dad, who had arrived with a girl and a group of friends (and swears to high heaven it wasn't a real date), saw my mom skating and laughing, and in a move of superb brilliance and smoothness, asked my mom to do the Couples' Skate with him.

The rest is (a pretty short) history.  Three months later, they wed.

Just a small side-note -- my parents are freakin' nuts.

But thirty years later, it's kinda hard to argue with them.

In a world where so many don't get to see what it's like to see their parents stick together through the ups and downs of life, I know I have it so, so good.  I got to see what it looks like for two people to be companions through it all.  They've walked through some tough stuff together, and came through the other side still caring for each other, still wanting the best for one another, still laughing with each other. 

I used to think they were so boring.  They're pretty chill, and for the most part their weekday evenings are spent kicking back in front of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy (or, Tuesdays, Americal Idol, which kills me).  Now the thought of them sitting there, every night, together -- boring as it may seem -- kinda makes me choke up a little.  I love that they are, above all, friends who love each other's company.  (Most days, anyway).

I am so very proud to call them my own, and wish there were words big enough and good enough to convey it.

I love that my Dad leaves a cup of coffee on my Mom's nightstand every morning, just the way she likes it.  I love that my Mom still totally flirts with my Dad, teasing him and shooting him that look with the sly smile that I'd imagine hasn't changed much in 30 years.  I love that whatever they choose to do, they do it together.  Even their bike has to be a tandem.  

In one of their greatest gifts to us (and biggest lessons) -- my brother and I grew up in a home filled with a lot of laughter.  Looking back, I know I was lucky.  It's only in being older that I understand how much.

So, Mom, Dad, here's to you.  You're my heroes, you have to know that.  You've made love look good, and together, you've made my time so far on this earth pretty damn sweet, and for that, I thank you.

Here's to at least 30 more years.  You'll make that look good, too.

Love you.  Enjoy the day.  Looking forward to when you guys get to head out to Maui and celebrate in high style.  :)