I used to say, "I'm a little bit of my father, and a little bit of my mother, but a whole lot of me!"  While I think it's still true, I can appreciate the parts of me that are my mother and father more today than ever.  Today, my parents have been married for fifty years and I've been a part of their story from the beginning.  High school sweethearts that followed their hearts, had faith in each other, believed in love, and fought for love vowing to journey in life together.  It wasn't easy in the beginning, in those days, a truth I realized as an adult and only fully realized when I had a family of my own, and I held a new important title, dad.  It truly does give you a whole new perspective in life and appreciation on deeper level.  

Today, we honor my parents on this special milestone.  I am grateful, I'm grateful these special two were chosen as my parents.  They are incredible people today, they've continued to grow and evolve over the years, becoming better versions of themselves.  Loving.  Forgiving.  Compassionate.  Caring. Accepting.  Grateful.  Joyful.  And they speak truth and from the heart.  My dad has always had an incredible gift in making people feel comfortable, welcomed.  My mom, sensitive yet strong, a truth seeker.  Both hard working and lovers of life.  Thank you, mom and dad, for giving me, accepting me, teaching me, and not just loving me, but celebrating me.

I love you both.