Happy 59th Anniversary

                                                         Today marks my parent's 59th wedding anniversary.

Wedding Picture

I always thought they were a very handsome couple.  Movie star quality looks... My dad was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and met my mother while serving in Sweden.  He brought her home with him when he returned to America.  Just a little souvenir? I think my mother was very brave to leave her homeland and family.  In those days one traveled by ship.  She didn't know if she'd ever see her family again. As flying became common she did see her family a number of times but it was not very often.  Long distance phone calls were incredibly expensive. No internet, no Skype, no texting, ... Her main communication with her family was by handwritten letters.  I think Sweden must have felt very far away for her.

Leaving on the train

This is my parents on the train headed off to meet the boat. Again, gorgeous people and my favorite picture of them.  All smiles as they set off on this adventure.

















I don't think my mom smiled as much on the boat since she was seasick the entire time. They were married shortly after arriving in Idaho.

On the boat looking toward New York City

Ellis Island

                                                                        Look where the finger is pointing and you see my mother's name on the wall at Ellis Island.

                                                       

Now just a few shots of their family as it grew over the years...                                        

Here is when I joined the group. We are so cute!


My question here is why in the world did they choose this shot.  I look so bored and couldn't the photographer have noticed that my knees weren't  together? I think I wasn't ready for that shot. Check out my dad's red suit.  Something ain't it? We are so 70's.

This is the most recent shot of our family which is quite sad because the baby I'm holding is now 18.  Yeah, it has been a very long time since we were all together and could have pictures done.
Now the clan has grown to include 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with more on the way.

This picture was taken on the eve before their 59th anniversary.  Mom can still smile but it is often hard to catch it on film.

My parents have been wonderful examples to us all, of love, devotion, and service among other things. They have worked hard their entire lives to provide for the family and to run the household as well as to teach us about our Savior.

My mother can do little for herself now and my father sits with her everyday to assist however he can even though she doesn't always know who he is. Sometimes he reads to her or tells her stories.  He more often than not feeds her, transfers her from wheel chair to where ever she needs to sit, and always makes sure she is safe. My dad prays to live long enough to take care of her as long as she is on this earth. Happy 59th Anniversary Mom and Dad.