A love story.

Today I went to visit my mom and dad.
I went for lunch and a visit.
Something I need to do more.

My mom is 86 years old and my dad is 91 years old.

Meet "Toots" and Howard.

My mom's real name is Ethel Edith, so you see why she goes by a nickname! 

This is a picture from their 65th wedding anniversary.

God willing, they will celebrate their 70th anniversary on April 28, 2011.

They married when Mom was 17 and Dad was 22.

Times were tough.

They worked hard and tried to scratch out a living

Dad farmed and Mom took care of people's children.

After six years, they started a family.

My oldest sister, Judy was born.

Three years later, my sister Linda followed.

Nine years after that, my twin sister and I joined the family.

Then five years more, my baby brother, John was born.

We had a wonderful childhood.

Our house was loud and happy.

Mom is a happy soul. 

She's quick to smile

She is a fun woman.

She finds joy in whatever she does, 

from cleaning chickens, to home renovations, to shopping excursions.

She taught me how to be a good wife and mother.

She showed me how to cook, clean, decorate, how to run a home.

She sat  at the kitchen table, serving a snack and lending a willing ear after school every day.

Most importantly, she gave me my faith, my Christian values.

She instilled in me the truth that every word spoken should be kind or to remain silent.

Dad was a hard worker. He farmed with my mom's dad and it wasn't always easy. 

Some years, he worked long hours for little money. 

He raised cattle and provided for our every need. 

I never felt like I lacked for anything.

He rough -housed with us.

He was witty and he teased us.

He put all five of his children through college,while he himself had only an 8th grade education.

His greatest accomplishment though, was his example of what to find in a husband.

He treated my mom with respect. 

He would wrap his arms around her while she cooked, calling her Sweetie Pie and nuzzling her neck.

He still holds her hand.

He still rubs her knee.

 Both are in good physical shape.

Dad, though is in the stages of Alzheimer's disease.

He forgets a conversation from five minutes earlier.

He can't reason anymore.

It is a hard thing to watch.

I see the stress on my mom's face. 

I see the sadness behind her eyes.

Her best friend is slipping away and she cannot save him.

It is a break she cannot glue.

She is doing what she vowed to do.

Loving him through this sickness journey.

They are walking this road together, hand in hand.

They are trudging toward the prize, eternity together with Christ.

They are counting each day a blessing.

They are a love story.