I am thankful for happy memories. I think back to a special Saturday several years ago. It was my mother and father’s 48th wedding anniversary.
We pulled off a big surprise for my mother. We talked our father into renewing their wedding vows. That was not an easy task. Then after lunch that day, my four brothers and I told mom that we had a surprise for her. We all went into the living room and I told her that we were going to have a renewal of their wedding vows, with their five grown sons in attendance, including their preacher-son to conduct the service.
So she and dad stood side by side, holding hands. I conducted the service with a lump in my throat. Mom cried the whole way through.
I have since then thought back many times to that special day. I think back to my father affirming those words again, “In sickness and in health.” He sure lived up to those vows. I think back to the tears of joy and gratitude in my mother’s eyes that day. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I am so glad that we did that. Little did we know that she would pass away six years later.
I love the old hymn that says, “Precious memories, unseen angels, sent from somewhere to my soul. How they linger ever near me. And the sacred past unfold.”
Happy Mother’s Day!