Have you ever noticed something very familiar to you in a new a surprising way?  I just did, and it made me smile.

Guy and Dolores Germain

Today is Tom’s Mom and Step Dad’s wedding anniversary.  38 years ago they were married and have loved each other quite obviously all these years.  There is no doubt that they are the apple of each others eye.  We love it!    We recently took them to dinner at The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach and enjoyed our time so much.

Dick and Jill Walter

Tom’s Dad and Step Mom’s 36th wedding anniversary was on the 28th of June.  They live in San Diego, CA, so we don’t get to see them as much as we would like, but they are such fun, especially Jill.  She fills any room and our hearts with laughter.  Tom’s Dad is a great story teller – he shares his love of life with each conversation we have.  We will be visiting them the middle of this month and can’t wait to spend time with them.

My parent’s wedding anniversary was the 5th of July.  It would have been their 64th wedding anniversary if my Dad was still alive.  It has been 7 years, but I’ll always remember their anniversary probably as long as I live.  What a legacy of life and love we have been given, and their example is what has helped us form our lasting convictions on the importance of marriage.

What’s the new and surprising thing I noticed?  All three anniversaries fall in the same week.  So this is a very special week for us because it holds three special dates worth celebrating year after year. And we do.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Pops and Dad and Jill!  We love you and thank God for the lasting influence you’ve had on our life and marriage.  I wish I could say Happy Anniversary to my parents as well.  But I’m grateful I did while I had the chance.  It’s good to have no regrets.  As a special tribute to lasting marriages we’ve created an Anniversary Wall of Dedication on our Facebook Page.  Follow the link and be sure to add your anniversary as well as the anniversaries of the special people in your life who have influenced your marriage for good.

This is post #3 in The Ultimate Blogging Challenge to post everyday for the month of July.