Reflecting on 51 Years of Marriage: Anniversaries, Lessons Learned and Memories Made

When my dad said those words at our mother's memorial service, it was a gut punch. Why? Because in that moment, we thought, that's how long they will have been married, period, the end.

But it wasn't. Today is 54 years. My father honors my mother's quirkiness and their commitment to family and showing up, still today.

He cares for, dotes on and cherishes the two pups she rescued still today.

He spoils the grandchildren like she did.

He is "the best dad to their 3 girls", which is what she said to me one night years and years and years ago.

He is the one to provide the sound and solid advice. He has the best shoulders that ever existed to hold heads with big tears and heavy hearts.

He's proud of his 3 girls daily.

He honors their marriage by standing by what they valued. Family, faith, togetherness, cheese boards, libations and rescue dogs.

When our pops said those words on that day in 2022, I looked out into the congregation of people who loved her or didn't know her but loved us enough to love her value in our lives. And I saw a glimmer of sparkle come across their faces. Perhaps it was the light reflecting off their tears. Perhaps it was the realization that they were seeing a love story in real life.

Life with another person doesn't come without obstacles. Life with another person has highs and lows. Life has highs and lows. But the point is, filling it with people who support you, who stand beside you when you need support, in front of you when you need guidance, behind you when you need a push...that's how you do the hard things.

Not everyone finds a spouse for 51 years and 11 days, but it sure is nice to know that it's possible. And as my husband and I are approaching our 1 year anniversary, it's a roadmap for us too.

So to my Dad, Happy 54th anniversary of fighting through the hard things, loving through the easy ones, and making commitment matter.

My engagement ring with the pendant I had made for my sisters and I to wear on my wedding day.