43 Years

Today is my parent's anniversary. They have been married for 43 years.



Here they are outside my Grandma's house in Ely. The boots, hat and cane were likely props from my Uncle - perhaps from his stint in Russia?

This is my favorite picture of my parents. It's actually hanging in my hallway. They just look so young, happy and giddy with love. Don't they look like the kind of couple you'd want to party with? I think so.

I've really been trying to think about their 43 years together - especially the past 10 years. Because it was about 10 years ago that we started noticing a change in Mom. For a long time, it was really hard to accept what was happening to her. But now - there's no denying that the Alzheimer's has totally taken over. There's really nothing left of Mom. Words don't make much sense either to her or from her. Moving around is tough because her balance and motor control is not good. She sleeps a lot - she needs help with eating, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom. Dad has to help her with everything.

If there is a silver lining to this awful experience, it has been seeing the depth of the love that my Dad has for my Mom. It blows me away, actually. He's incredibly patient, kind and sweet to her. He sings songs to her. He cares for her in a way that I never knew he had in him. We've all been so focused on what's happening to Mom, that sometimes I forget to think about Dad. The way I see it right now: he's the unsung hero of this love story.

So, here's to 43 years of marriage.
For better or for worse.
In sickness and in health.
And you know the rest...