Today marks my parents 39th wedding anniversary.

39 years.

That’s a long time.

On August 14th, 1976 my parents embarked on the adventure of their life together, to be married. I’m sure throughout the 39 years they’re been some ups and downs, but for me – growing up and watching the two of them together, there were only ups.

I’ve often told my siblings and they’ve all agreed, that growing up watching and being part of 2 people hopelessly in love with each other, it leaves a lasting impression. I never knew my parents to constantly fight or bicker or yell at each other. I never knew them wanting to do things separately. I never knew them creating their own different worlds and just sort of co-existing under one roof.

I actually got to grow up watching 2 people madly in love with each.

I saw a lot of hugs and kisses.
I saw a lot of hand holding.
I saw a lot of smiles and jokes and teasing between them.
I saw a lot of snuggling.
I saw a lot of fun conversations between the 2 of them.
I saw dancing in the kitchen.
I saw laughing at funny movies.
I saw respect.
I saw friendship.
I saw love.

As I’ve become a parent myself to my little ones, it’s become more and more clear to me how important it is for my kids to see Matt and I interacting and in love. I feel like it makes them happy and makes them feel safe and secure. I want my children to know that the fairy tale of finding someone to love and grow old with is possible, you just need to wait until the right person comes along. Believe me, I had a lot of toads before I found my prince. I found Matt very young in life and that doesn’t always happen for people.

Listen, I know that life happens and people split up and divorce and it’s just the way things are, but it’s the foundation at home that helps people see clearly what it is that they truly would like to have someday – regardless of whether that foundation was good or bad. If you didn’t see that love at home from your parents… then maybe you didn’t settle until you truly knew what it is that you really wanted from a partner in life.

Love is the strongest power there is. To feel love and be loved, there’s no other feeling like it, especially a romantic love.

I got to see true love every single day of my life growing up.

And – no joke – I still see this powerful love every single day from my parents.

I don’t want to speak for all of my siblings, but I feel it truly impacted the decisions as to whom we eventually all ended up with and helped create an amazingly strong family unit.

Love you Mom and Dad!

Happy Anniversary!

Here’s to 39 more!