A Special Day

Today is a very special day in history. On this day, 63 years ago, my grandparents were married. They vowed to love each other, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, through thick and thin, until death parted them. And that's exactly what they did.

My grandparents were blessed to share over 62 years of happy marriage together, and I am blessed to have witnessed first hand their unconditional love. I remember growing up, watching them chase each other around the dining room table for kisses, and dancing with one another in the middle of the kitchen. Grandma would always serenade Grandpa in the car while he drove and Grandpa would often whistle at Grandma when she got dressed up for a special occasion. Even as their bodies grew older, their spirits remained young and they always behaved like newlyweds in love. Sure they faced challenges and arguments over the years, but they never let those hurdles affect their relationship. I cannot remember a day where my grandparents did not hold hands, and they always kissed each other good night. They kissed each other a lot, actually!

There is a Polish song we often sing at family gatherings: Sto Lat, which translates to "100 years", and is sung to express good wishes, good health and long life. Grandma and Grandpa didn't quite make it to 100 years of marriage together, but as Abe Lincoln once said -- "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

For nearly 63 years Gene and Ted were each other's rock. Together they were the heart and soul of our family, still are, and will always be a shining example of true everlasting love. They accomplished many things together and did not take joyous moments for granted. They knew each other as children, and eventually fell in love as adults. They worked hard, traveled together, raised 5 kids, and enjoyed time with their 7 grandchildren. From them we learned that family is the most important gift in life, and that life is too short not to enjoy dessert. :)

This is a video from the lovebirds' 62nd anniversary, which we all celebrated in Maine last year. I'm sure Grandpa is up in heaven singing along to the music, and blowing kisses down to his beautiful bride.

We all miss you so much, Grandpa. You are my hero in many ways, and not a day goes by where I don't think of you or wish I could hear your voice again. Thank you for teaching me the importance of having love in my life.