50 years ago, my very young parents were married. My mom was 17, and my dad was 18 years old. Just out of academy, they began their new life together. It wasn’t too long until they had successful jobs, and were enjoying the good things of life, with a huge home, and 2000 acres of cherry orchards. They also had my wonderful brother and me. But God began to work in their hearts, and they could no longer be content to live the easy life. They left all and went back to college. My dad became a minister, and my mom a nurse. Through the years that followed, we moved a LOT, following the call of God and the local conference. Moving has always been really hard for my mom, but she did it out of love for God and my dad.

As we grew up, my parents taught my brother and I to love God, and to serve others. When I was older, they even adopted another brother that was in need of a good home. We had a very happy family, with lots of love and laughter. There were many times that were hard, and not all that much fun, but together we always made it through. I watched my parents work through problems, and difficulties over and over, and they never gave up on each other, or on their God.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my parents for their dedication to God and to each other. There are not many couples who stick together through thick and thin these days, but my parents are some of the few that beat the odds, and came out shining like gold.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you both with all my heart. Thank you for the inspiration that you are. I cry when I think of not being with you on this special day, but I am here doing just what you taught me to do.