First there were two

(40th Anniversary Toast)

It started with youthful endeavors-
a teenage love affair,
starry nights walking her to the door
met with intention interrogations-
her face a flush with affection.

Then off to school.
His a long climb uphill.
Learning the steps
to teaching others how the past
can be the future
and not to tread lightly
on the many roads ahead.
Hers was filled with curfews,
bandages, and caring
for those in need…
tirelessly perfecting
her bedside manner.

They took off into rearing a family
of their own,
into teaching and nursing
two kids
in the midst of limited income,
miles from home,
late shifts at the hospital,
night classes, and more.
I’ve heard it’s the most difficult
time for marriage:
the runaround.

And when they were eight years in,
it was time to start again
with two more.
and then there were six:
six to care for,
to cook for,
to clean up after,
to hold
together.

Years later we got the call
sooner than expected.
“You have a granddaughter,”
two new dough eyes to dote on.
Their youngest was off to college
and back again.
Then the last two
married off
and empty nest.

The last few years
have been filled with
more time with friends,
vacations,
grandkids,
and then there were 15.

Here’s to our mom and dad,
Jeanne and Hank:

“Never fight dirty.”
“Never fight in front of the kids.”
“Always tell each other ‘I love you.’”
“Always take a dance…
even without music.”

Here’s to making it look too easy
and for giving each other so much love
your cup runneth over
enough for the rest of us!


Elizabeth Bohlander Wilson