The fruits of his labors

Okay, so I really AM the worst daughter…My parent’s 21^st wedding anniversary is today and do you think I remembered?! NOPE! Not until later this afternoon, long after talking with my mom this morning, not until I was doing the bills and writing the date did I even think about it. UGH! So then I remembered that I forgot this day LAST year too and as I was going through my documents I found  this that I had typed up in hopes of salvaging my ‘favorite daughter’ status (JUST KIDDING MAKALA!!!) but I had never posted it: “So, I think I'm officially the worst daughter in history! You see, my parents anniversary was yesterday (well the BIG wedding day anniversary anyway) and in the midst of my 'crazy' life these days (which really isn't THAT crazy) I didn't even remember until my mom mentioned it in casual conversation yesterday morning. Growing up and still now I’m typically the one who remembers those special dates and initiates the celebrations and gifts. I suppose that’s something to do with being the oldest.  I gave an off the cuff "Oh yeah, happy anniversary" -as I was trying to care for my sweet 4 month old baby who was fussy from shots the previous day, and attempting to listen to my son in the background all while trying to be present in the conversation with my mom- to which she replied with a simple, but sweet "Thank you." It wasn't until this morning during my quiet time that I realized they've been married for 20 YEARS this year! Holy cow where did that time go?!? I started thinking back over the last 20 years and remembering all the things that have happened and memories made throughout that time.”

Here it is a year later and I’ve forgotten again! What is my deal?! Sure my life is a little crazier, but still 21 years of marriage is definitely something to be recognized! Especially from your own children!! Their wedding day really was amazing! 

I remember that day; it was a HOT August day on the farm that my step-dad grew up on. We had been there the whole week preparing for the BIG day! Family & friends from all over were gathering together to help with all the work that needed to be done. My step-dad had constructed a chapel complete with the stage and alter for them to be married on (little did he know then, but he would be building another one for me 14 years later for my wedding day) and it took the whole week to put it all together. It was so beautiful, in fact, that the local newspaper came out to do a story on his grand gesture for his bride-to-be. It was such a beautiful day; HOT, but beautiful!

Looking back, I don’t remember all the chaos or even being that hot. I remember smiling, laughing, dancing and watching my mom and Jay ride off in a horse drawn carriage which he had surprised her with. It was an incredibly beautiful start to an incredibly beautiful marriage!

I’ve been so blessed to be a witness to the last 21 years and I can’t wait to see how amazing the next 21+ are. Happy Anniversary Jay & Peggy Dillavou! And thank you for showing us all what true love is!