Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Summer of 1969

Oh when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Ya - I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life

-Bryan Adams

The Summer of 1969 was eventful - for the U.S., for counter-culture, for the human population as a whole, and for ME - even though I wasn't born yet.

In Mid-July, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin flew to the moon, an awe-inspiring event which broadened the dreams of all Americans and profoundly affected the human race. (Though my dad will tell you now that it was all a great big hoax - ignore him)

In Mid-August, one of the most pivotal "moments" in the history of music and the counter-culture movement stretched across a dairy farm in Upstate New York and reached into the deepest corners of our imaginations.

And, on August 23rd - 40 years ago today - in a small church in a small town in Iowa, my mother (who wore a size 5 for the first and last time of her adult life) married my father.

The last forty years have been filled with triumphs and trials, feats and failures, births, deaths, joys, sorrows, celebrations, laments, dreams, plans, and goals, disappointments and fights.

Lots and lots of fights.

But far more smiles, hugs, laughs, and kisses. And above all: LOVE.

It hasn't been a smooth ride. But it hasn't been a boring one either.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm nearly 37 and never married. But then I take a look and realize it's because I've seen what I want: a PARTNER in every sense of the word. A relationship as full of life and laughter and love as the one my parents have built.

And I won't settle for less.

Congratulations, Mom and Dad.

And THANK YOU for the wonderful life you have built for us. I wouldn't trade my family for any other.

I love you.

11 comments:

Typoterri said...
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Typoterri said...

That was a beautiful tribute to your parents. I removed my earlier comment only to update my pic.

EEE said...

Did you get a kitty?????

Gator Paddler said...

That's sweet. You have a great model to follow once you do meet your "PARTNER".

shane said...
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shane said...

And from what i've seen of your opinions, i don't think you'll ever "settle". But speaking as someone who just turned 50 - and didn't find the love of his live until 42 in the shadows of the months that followed 9/11 - you just never know when you may be blindsided by someone you didn't expect.

Sounds like things are going well for you, EEE. I enjoy readng your blog.

Since the whole tribune/topix divorce, i haven't been reading the advice columns much lately. Probably sounds kind of lame - but "B" and i got to know each other's opinions by reading some of the Miss Manners, Amy, Abby columns and discussing our "solutions" to the given problems.

shane

EEE said...

You have a "B" too, Shane?

:D

We'll see if my "B" is "THE B" - there's plenty of time to figure that out and I'm in no hurry.

So far, I'm really enjoying him.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. My parents really are an amazing couple (much though I think they're both saints for putting up with each other so long!!!)

Angela said...

I don't see how you're honoring your parents by posting frickin' BRYAN ADAMS lyrics! ;)

Seriously: Sweet post. My parents were married for over 37 years when my dad died in February 2005. We all should be so lucky as to have someone by our side for so long.

J-Kat said...

That's a very nice tribute to your mom and dad, EEE. Summer of '69 was a special summer all around. I was away from home in my own place for the first time, so any music from that time brings back some great, both sweet and sad, memories.

Terri--that kitty looks like my sweet Tucker.

Heart said...

This was great. If only all children had models to follow....no not perfect, but to see two souls meld together through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

It's been way over a year now and I still enjoy and look forward to your blog.

Typoterri said...

FYI: Kitty is not mine, just liked the pic. Plus, I can blame the kitty for the typos!