Dear Mom and Dad,

Happy 42 anniversary. Who gets married on April Fool’s day? My parents of course. What is it you say, Dad? When else should you get married?

What a small simple wedding you had. How times have changed. Here we are planning Mooch’s wedding…in 6 months no less…and inviting more people than you probably even knew when you got married.

Did you know, at 19 and 25, that you would still be together 42 years later?  With 2 grown daughters?  You probably thought we would be older than we are, but God had other plans.  7 homes in your first 5 years of marriage and a different job in each place.  Finally settling in Brattleboro, because of Unka.  Better than Cleveland I suppose.

All those hours at the store.  You guys knew everyone.  And they still know you.  How many shelves did you fill?  Bottles did you sort?  Deer did you check in?  How did you stand it, working together all the time?  How do you stand it now?  I know…Dad would say Mom is always within striking distance.

You guys have certainly been good role models as a married couple. You showed us it is okay to disagree, but you never really fought. You let us know we should take time for ourselves but to spend time with the ones you love.

You gave us religion, education, travel, culture, nice teeth, love, support, and freedom.

Here’s to another 42 years together.

Big D