Happily Ever After

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past weekend. They celebrated like most retirees by jetting off to Europe for two weeks. Part of the time they will spend in Switzerland where my dad served his LDS mission and where my parents lived for nine months in the first few years of their marriage. The other time they are traveling Prague and Budapest with three of my sisters who are having their own adventures this week.

My parents are a great example to me. My dad always greets my mom with a kiss and hug when he comes home from work. When we are watching a movie, my parents still hold hands. It's really cute! They are always thinking of the other person and their kids. My parents have sacrificed so much for us: weekly piano lessons; sports camps; music trips; school activities; driving us around everywhere; giving of their time, talents, and energy.

I have favorite memories of both my parents. My dad would sing to us or recite scriptures as we were falling asleep. He was often busy and this was his time with us. He taught us the constellations, brought us hiking in National Parks and surfing in the oceans of California, and testified of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mom was superwoman. She got eight kids off to school each day and helped us get everything done at night. She taught me discipline which has helped me throughout my life. She would drive us to Provo in the morning then to St. George in the afternoon. Yes. That really did happen. She has let me cry on her should many, many times and never complained and always comforted. Her daily actions reflect the attributes of a disciple of Christ.

My parents are amazing people and I hope they have enjoyed their "Happily Ever After" the past 40 years.