“When I thank God for His tender mercies each night, you are on the list.” That is a paraphrase from a movie line. It is also a truth in my life. Among the many tender mercies God has granted me, being born to this handsome couple probably tops them all. My parents, Clifford and Virginia Grubbs, are celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this week.
Sixtieth. Six decades.
It is impossible to sum up their life a few words. It includes four children, eleven grandchildren, and eighteen great-grands. So far.
It also includes countless episodes of illness, struggle, uncertainty, and fatigue balanced by seasons of joy and prosperity in every way. But, most of all, it includes my father’s quiet steadiness and my mother’s faithful optimism.
She taught us to embrace every stage of life as the best one yet. Watching her and our dad together these days, I honestly believe it is true.
Amen! Observations about this couple whom I also love: she chuckles at his jokes and stories that I know she has heard numerous times before, she told me that every decade she celebrates is her favorite, they are so obviously still in love with each other, and she does not get jealous when I give him a hug and kiss when I see him! (He is so cute I can not resist.) True love.
And they’re such givers. They give every part of themselves all the time, especially their hearts and compassion. I feel so lucky to be theirs.
And they are such “includers”. The very first time I met them, your mom was in town sewing and fitting the bridesmaid dresses for Felic and Dan’s wedding. I remember her loving interest and kind manner toward us, and how sweet your dad was, telling us funny stories! And over the years we have grown to love them even more! They always make us feel so welcome and included! They are precious people!