Ruminating on 60 Years

This past weekend, we flew down to Florida to celebrate my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary.  It was a pretty amazing time:  All 11 grandchildren made it out, plus 5 of their spouses (only one was missing; he had to go to a wedding), 1 boyfriend, and their 2 great-grandchildren.  It was a better turn-out than any of the recent family weddings

My grandparents are an inspiration to me.  They married on June 6, 1953.  They didn't have a lot of money, but they made ends meet.  They went through having three children, struggling to make ends meet, my Gramps having a heart attack in his late 40s, my Gramz having a rare neurological disease in her 70s, the divorces of two of their kids, etc.  Now towards the end of their lives (both are in their 80s), anyone can see that their love and commitment is still strong.

It is crazy to think of 60 years with one person.  Since Gill and I married at 39 and 31, it is unlikely we will make it to that milestone, though of course only God knows what will be.  Even if we don't, I love the idea that at 40 or 50 years married, we too will be surrounded by our loved ones, hopefully children and grandchildren, and that we will have laid a legacy of faith and love.

Actually, my grandparents aren't my biological relatives.  Their oldest daughter married my dad when I was 11 years old, but since that day, they have considered me and my brother as part of their grandchildren, and now Gil and my sister-in-law are also part of the brood.  Since all of my biological grandparents have passed away, I feel extra blessed to have Gramz and Gramps still around.