“A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.”
(quote from Google)
My sisters and I received the email below from my Dad three days ago. He has always shared these special memories of his time with Mom over the years. Now that it’s been a year since she passed away, the memories hold more meaning. When I read this, I was teary-eyed, thinking how remarkable, that in my parent’s life together, love and commitment truly did last a life time. As in any relationship, there were tough times, but they worked through them. Mom was 90 when she died and though he misses her more than anything, my Dad is still going strong and driving at 93!(quote from Google)
They were about to celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary when she passed away. Before you read my Dad’s email, I’ll share a little bit of “back story.” Dad was in the Air Force and they met on a blind date in June 1941. Then they saw each other again in October. He was planning for another leave in December 1941, but with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, all leaves were canceled. As a result, they didn’t see each other again until April 1942, when Dad proposed (you’ll read this in his email). During all this time, they corresponded through letters. In June 1942, Mom took the train and visited Dad, then in July, he went overseas for 3 years. Again, they corresponded through letter writing for the entire 3 years he was gone and Mom waited for him to come home. They were married in February 1945, when Dad returned and they had only 10 days to plan the wedding.
“Good Morning,
I woke up this morning thinking about this day 71 years ago; I was 22 and Mom was 20. My Mother and I went downtown to Bloedel’s Jewelry store. There I picked and bought a diamond solitaire for your Mother.It was a Saturday and I was home from Selfridge Field on a three day pass. Mom was working at the bank and it was open a half a day. After buying the ring, my Mother went back home and I walked across the street to pick up Mom. We were both in good spirits (me especially) because I knew something she did not know.
We had lunch at the Empire Grill & Bar, and when Mom excused herself to go to the restroom, I placed the ring box at her setting. When she came back, and I told her that I wanted her to be my wife, she opened the box and we both cried. Mom held up her hand so that all in the grill room could see, and there was applause and more applause.When we left the Empire, we went back to Mom’s house to break the news, and the next day, Sunday, we had dinner with my Mother and Dad.So this was truly the beginning of our relationship (aside from our blind date), and even with ups and downs, we made it thru the years. and as it says on Mom’s grave marker, “Love Lives On.”
Love always, Dad”
Photo: Mom and Dad on their wedding day, February 24, 1945
“Is this so rare, a marriage forever
67 years of best friends to each other
Pour in the crystal and sip the wine
for this can only happen Once in a Lifetime“
©LScott 2013
I don’t believe that true love can be found only once,
but this is one example that love can be eternal.
I hope you enjoyed this love story. ♥
Beautiful, Lauren. Thank you for sharing this happy, hopeful family story with the rest of us. Your poem is touching.
Thanks so much, Lori, I’m really glad you enjoyed my Dad’s story and my little poem…
Just a beautiful love story,thank you for sharing! God Bless
Aww…thanks, PJ, and sending hugs your way, too!
Lauren-I thank you for this special remembrance- “love lives on.” Dad
After reading your email, Dad, I just felt like sharing your story and I’m glad you allowed me to! Love lives on, always…love ya and talk to you tonight! xoxo
Oh Lauren, love this beautiful love story. hugs, Renee ♥
Thanks, Renee, for your beautiful words and hugs! ♥
YOU are so welcome Lauren. 🙂 Renee
A wonderfully romantic story. The wedding photograph is priceless. Imagine, putting a wedding together in 10 days – and a white wedding at that. Lauren your father wrote a touching story. I am honored that you shared it with all who read your blog. XxOo Virginia
Thanks so much, Virginia, for your lovely comment and I honestly can’t imagine planning a wedding in 10 days, but they did it, with a little help from family and friends…thanks again, my friend. xo
Romantic to the max 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 xo C
I know, very romantic, Cat. I especially love the part of letter writing for those three years…love is patient…:) xo
Loved this tribute to Mom and Dad, Lauren! Love ya, your seester, Deb
________________________________
Thanks, Deb, I’m glad you liked it. I don’t think Susie has seen it, yet! Love ya, too!
A lovely story – required reading by everyone contemplating the journey. Happy for you and all your loved ones, Eric
Aww…what a nice thing to say, Eric, thank you, my friend! Hugs and Blessings!
This is a really sweet story Lauren. You are a lucky lady.
Thanks so much, Kim, for your kind words and for taking the time to read this long post! 🙂 xx
Just beautiful Lauren; brought a tear. 🙂 ❤ HBL xxx
Aww…thanks, Christine, and it brought tears for me, too, after I read his email. He’s sent many of these memorable notes to his 3 daughters, but for some reason, this one tugged harder…probably, because Mom is no longer with us. HBL ♥
Thank you for sharing this, Lauren. It’s a beautiful thing when love wins and two people love each other forever. No wonder you are as sweet as you are! Blessings, Peg.
I’m glad you enjoyed my Dad’s love story, Peg! Thanks for taking the time to read it and for your very kind words, my friend…Hugs and blessings to you, too!
My eyes are in tears..such a lovely story to share . Your parents were blessed. i just arrived here, on your blog and i love what i’m reading..in the photo your parents look so happy… Have a nice day
Thanks very much, Naomikko, for your visit, follow and beautiful words…I’m glad you enjoyed this old fashioned love story. I’ll visit you soon, too, and I hope you’ve had a great day!
Honey,
God Bless DoDik……(Doris and Dick)……what a great story from your dad.
Love You M.
No wonder you’re so full of love. This is such a beautiful story to grow up with and hear through the years.
Aww..thanks, Sheila, that is so sweet to say! xx
OMG! This was so sweet Lauren. My birthday just happens to be Febraury 24th =-)
Thanks, Val, I thought you would enjoy and what a coincidence! That’s a very special day! 🙂
This is wonderful Lauren – such a touching story! I love to hear about the experiences of love and life from the 40’s and 50’s! Reminds us that technology may have changed, but the basics of human life and emotions have not changed at all! 🙂
And your dad, writing emails at 93!!!!! Well – he’s good isn’t he!! I have a friend who is married to a man of the same age, a large age gap between them. And also a great aunt who is in her early 90’s too. They are both very active and very with it, in many ways, but neither have even touched a computer keyboard, never mind the thought of writing emails! That’s lovely to know that some of us will go on for many years, and never stop learning a new trick or two!! 😀
Thanks, Suzy, and you’re right, the basics of human life and emotions don’t change, even when other things do! I can’t believe my Dad loves the computer, loves reading my blog, although I think he blushes at some of the romantic poems! 🙂 But, it’s neat that he does have the interest and ability to enjoy it. At least, your friend and hubby and your great aunt are still active. My father-in-law bowls and plays bocce ball and about to turn 90. He still drives, too. I hope these good “genes” imply long lives for my hubby and I! I think learning new things keeps us young at heart throughout the years; keeping our brains stimulated! 🙂
Beauuuuuuutiful, Lauren! It is so lovely to read of romance… and a touching poem, my friend. You are all so blessed to love each other. xoxo
Aww…thanks, Angela, for your beauuuuuutiful comment! No families are perfect; there have been ups and downs, but love has prevailed! xoxo
Such a lovely post and reflection, Lauren. I especially am affected by how patient and faithful their love was before they could begin their lives together. There are some thing certainly worth waiting for … and that never changes! Thanks for sharing this emotional memory. Blessings, love and hugs. ♥
Thanks so much, Diane, and even to this day, I am amazed at the same example of patience and faithfulness as you! I think that is what makes it so romantic; that and the letter writing, which I love! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Thanks again, my friend, and many hugs and blessings to you, too! xo
Tell your dad I love his words in the email, I am glad he is well…beautiful post Lauren, it got me a bit teary eyed but you and i know why! Your father is a wonderful person and their love still lives on, thanks for sharing it really made my day! God bless!
Thanks so much, Wendell, and I will convey your message to Dad…by the way, you’re showing up as Anonymous, so I hope I’m thanking the right person! 🙂
Oh Lauren, what a romantic, heartfelt, hopeful, divine, post. I have shivers up and down right now thinking about the love between your parents. Thank-you for sharing a glimpse of such wonderful souls with us. xoxo Much love to you and your family ❤
Aww…thanks so much, Christy, for your beautiful comment! Sending hugs and love to you, too! ♥
Would love to meet your dad. Sounds like a very close knit family, you and yours. How awesome it would be if all the world realized, as did they…it’s the little things in life…that really make living large.
God Bless You
paul
Thanks so much, Paul, for your wonderful comment. My Dad is a character and am glad he’s going strong at 93…it would be great if everyone came to that profound realization because it is the little things in life that matter most. Blessings to you, too, and thank you for stopping by…Lauren
I applaud this story, Lauren! The love of your parents is eternal and beautiful, indeed!
Aww…thanks so much, George, I’m glad you enjoyed this love story and I appreciate your visit, too! Hope you’re doing well!