40th anniversary, originally uploaded by Conch0608.
Last weekend my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary. It's not the only couple I know to have been married that long, but they are the ones I know the best. I've always known that my parents love each other and love their kids. I can't remember harsh words or lifted voices ever. Now that's something amazing. Not to say they didn't have their issues. But both have given more than their 50% in the marriage. Words like "I cook for your dad and someday you will cook for your husband" were often repeated at meals I didn't like so much. Of course in my teens I groaned when my dad would come home from work and they'd spend a few minutes loving on each other, but now I so appreciate how affectionate they were with each other even after years of marriage.
In the last few months my son has really become more aware of the relationships around him. When my husband comes in the door, he'll often pick Hunter up in one hand and turn to kiss me. Hunter grins. I see the sparkle in his eye and I know what's coming...he grabs the back of his daddy's head, and the back of mine and forces us together for another kiss. He giggles, pulls us apart and forces us together once more only this time with HIS head in the middle. We each plant a kiss on the cheek we're pressed into and I think of my parents and the love they showed me by loving each other. I only hope and pray my kids will experience that same kind of love as I follow the urging of my son to lean in a kiss my husband one more time...
