Tuesday, March 22, 2011

a tight pair of genes

on our evening walk yesterday, robert and i came upon this sight. that's my mama and dad, sitting on lawn chairs, on their driveway, reading the newspaper.

perfectly comfortable front porch furniture was mere yards away, with cushions and back support. why they chose to sit on the edge of the pavement, just behind my brother's car and in front of the lamppost is beyond me, but i love it.

because my parents are like that. after almost 29 years of marriage, they are still in love. as we walked toward them, i remembered the time that mama and i flew to chicago to get my senior year prom dress and visit my uncle. my dad stayed behind to take care of my siblings. i'll never forget his eyes glistening with tears as he kissed mama goodbye at the airport terminal. they are never apart.

or the way mama can remember vividly the first time she met dad. at a college party, where their ice-breaking line was the epic "wanna chip?"

i worry about a lot of things in life, but i never worry about my relationships. because they come from strong roots. and last night, as i lowered myself onto the driveway and gathered my legs indian style beneath me, we watched the sun set low in the sky together, then walked into the warm house for dessert.

and i can't wait for the day when that's us. when our kids find us dancing in the kitchen or snuggling on a saturday morning. i can't wait to embarrass them, delight them and ultimately, nurture in them a deep love for others, and pass along this crazy, tight, good-fitting pair of genes.

31 comments:

Rhianna Wells said...

So sweet! I love seeing people so in love after many years. Lovely.

Dee Paulino said...

what a sweet story. My grandparents still hold hands after so so many years of marriage. 49 I think, seeing them so in love reminds me that's the kind of love I deserve, the kind of love worth waiting for.

Jennifer Rod said...

Such a sweet story! I too cant wait to be a mom and pass on to my kids the love for reading, writing and Jesus! I'm sure you'll be good at it too, looks like your parents set a great example. :)

Cat said...

Oh...such a sweet story! How good to be steeped in healthy, deeply rooted family ties :) Your mom and dad are super cute. Glad you stumbled on them and were able to catch a sunset!!! xx Cat

Unknown said...

awww that is so cute of your parents to use lawn chairs instead of the actual porch furniture. its something i would probably end up doing myself.

its also nice hearing the stories about long lasting relationships.

the mister and i were at pre marriage counseling sessions on saturday and our teacher (who was also a minister and chaplain) told us of this couple he had met at the nursing home once. the wife was terribly ill and the husband was there. the husband met our teacher out in the hall and explained to our teacher that he and his wife have been married 65 years and still considered themselves newlyweds on their honeymoon.

totally makes your heart melt. ♥

the southern hostess said...

What a beautiful tribute to your parents. So sweet!

Blondie's Journal said...

You and Robert are going to be wonderful examples of loving parents, just like your mom and dad.

XO,
Jane

Southhamsdarling said...

Such a sweet post, and wonderful that your mum and dad are as much in love as ever. Love that line, "wanna chip?"!

Pia said...

This is so sweet!

Unfortunately my parents are divorced, but reading things like these assure me that it is possible to still really love someone after years and years together.

How you described your future is just what I want for me too. I am so looking forward to that!

Shay said...

I love when marriage is celebrated like this. People do not treat it as sacred as it deserves. Thanks for the precious reminder- your parents are adorable!

jeny said...

Money, fame, perfect looks can't get this. How very lucky you are. I loved that you all watched the sunset together. Sweet.

Amber said...

they look like a cute couple. I love the wanna chip line. My husband's mother sent him to college with a tin full of homemade chocolate chip cookies and he used the wanna cookie line on me :)

Emily said...

that is so precious! You definitely will be like that some day :) My grandparents are going on 64 years of marriage!

charla beth said...

oh my gosh, this is the sweetest.

how lucky you are to have 2 parents still in love and to all be so close to each other. God is so good.

Christmas-etc... said...

Your parents are perfect! Oh, they might not think they are but as parents - the two of them together for themselves and their children - this picture shows the truth! Lovely!
Blessings!\
Ann

Christmas-etc... said...

PS Love the play on words in the title!!

grace said...

you always share the sweetest thoughts!

i love this image, and the image of your parents healthy, strong marriage.

Kandice Breinholt said...

this whole post/story is the sweetest thing i've ever heard. your parents are cute and you guys are cute and will make your children so happy!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I love that their first words to each other was "wanna chip?" Too cute!

Discovery Street said...

its a blessing to come from those kind of "genes." Although I didn't, I'm hoping to start the beginning of something wonderful to pass on to my future children!

LesleyRH said...

So great to see couples still in love after all that time.

Anonymous said...

oh this made me get choked up. that is SO sweet. thank you for renewing my faith in love, companionship, and loyalty just a little bit more today. :) xo

Nicki said...

This is precious!

Kelsey Cunningham said...

This is beyond sweet! I'm also blessed to have parents who are still deeply in love and I too find them enjoying each other's company in quirky places. I can't wait to pass along that love to my children someday as well. What a great post! Thanks for sharing lady :)

xo, Kelsey

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful story! This was refreshing!

Cara-Mia said...

Beautiful post - I love it! I love when a couple is still deeply in love for years after being married. <3

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

what a beautiful tribute to your wonderful parents! and that day will surely happen for you and what a day it'll be!!! ♥

Ashley Arnold said...

I needed this today... I'm about to get engaged and I keep having doubts, but this post just reminded me of how much I love him. Thanks friend!

Evie said...

i love that line... i never worry about relationships b/c i come from strong roots.

i just realized i don't either! my parents have been married for 32 years! and shane's parents over 40!! we are committed people. i love having them for examples.

happy weekend!
Evie

Anna said...

Um, did this story just make me get teary eyed?

Yes. Yes it did.

Jenni@Story of My Life said...

This made me cry. Very touching. :')

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