lessons learned from my parents


last week my parents celebrated 35 years of marriage. 
35 years! 
in a time where it seems like people are getting divorced left and right, it seems like such a huge accomplishment to say you've been married to the same person for 35 years. 

i know that throughout the last 35 years it hasn't always been easy. 
but i know that through it all they love each other more than ever. 

through my parents' example, i have learned a lot about what makes a marriage work:
:: true forgiveness 
:: loyalty {especially against bratty teenagers} 
:: friendship [my mom & dad would always call each other their best friend :)]
:: unfailing support through all that life throws at you [career, kids, school...] 
:: patience 
:: communication & honesty
:: being positive especially through the ups & downs 
:: and most importantly i have learned about LOVE

no, my parents definitely do not have the most perfect life or perfect marriage. 
but you would never know that when you hear them talk about each other. 

i hope that in 35 years Adam and i can have as strong of a relationship as my parents have. 
and i hope that in 35 years our own children can say the same things about us that i see in my parents.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom & Dad!! 
thank you for teaching me so much and being such a great example to us!

6 comments:

Meredith Tuttle said...

love this pic of your parents! also, I've learned similar things from my parents marriage. :) i love that you're celebrating 35 years with this post. so sweet! congrats to your mom and dad!

Alisha said...

Congrats to your mom and dad!! My parents will celebrate 35 years in June too! Way to go mom and dad :)

Your advice couldn't be more spot on, Megan! Love that true forgiveness. And truly saying I'm sorry and letting go. No grudges. Those aren't fair.

Happy anniversary to them!
xo
Alisha and Brandon {the blog}

Unknown said...

I loooove this picture. We just celebrated my grandparen'ts 50th anniversary last Christmas. It IS such an accomplishment just to say you've been happily married for anything over 2 years!! :)

Stacey said...

Love this! Such great lessons, and congrats to your parents! My parents celebrated 30 years last June :)

Bonnie Gutzman said...

Awesome picture! (: I'm glad there are still couples out there that can be looked up to for their commitment to each other. My parent's were divorced last year and there went the strong pillar I had as my "good marriage example." Maybe I can adopt your parents as my new example (:

Ashley said...

Woohoo for 35 years! Such an amazing and inspiring accomplishment. I am only 5 1/2 years into my marriage and it is hard work, sometimes!