I can't imagine 70 days, much less 70 years...

Tomorrow, June 7, 2010, my grandparents, Earl and Wilma McWilliams, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. SEVENTY YEARS!!! Seriously. I can't imagine being married for 70 days, much less 70 years. It's truly amazing.

They both turned 90 in the last year, and while they have had some health scares and we've had a few moments where we thought we'd lose one or both of them, they're still here. And for the most part, they are very much alive and kicking.

It was amazing to have them fly to California from Texas and celebrate Christmas with me and my mom and her husband last year. I'm so unbelievably blessed to still have them in my life and just wanted to share my joy with all of you. Check the pictures to the right to see them with their stockings - in addition to a couple of others over the last few years with me and my mom. When they visited at Christmas, my grandfather was 90 and my grandmother was 89, just a little more than a month before she turned 90. Hey, if I I'm that happy and having that much fun with a Christmas stocking when I'm that age? More power to me!

Due to their health, they've recently moved from their house and for a little while, as my grandmother recovers from a couple of hospital stays, they have been staying with my grandfather's niece and nephew, but in a short time, they will be moving into the one-bedroom apartment that sits on the same property. As my mom said, after 70 years of marriage, they're back in a one-bedroom apartment with independence we weren't sure they'd still have. They are a true testament to making it work no matter what.

Since they got married in 1940, they raised two daughters - one of whom they lost far too early and one of whom is my mom. My grandfather served in the war and then served the city of Houston as a firefighter, becoming Chief and being beloved by his men. A number of years ago I visited a firefighter's museum with him in Houston and while we were there, another gentleman came in, also a retired firefighter, and he remembered him and still called him Chief McWilliams. That spoke volumes to me. My grandmother worked at East End State Bank when I was little and retired right on time. I remember visits to both the bank and the fire station when I was little and still lived in Texas. The bank was cool, and I think I even got to go in the vault once, but going to the fire station was awesome. I've always had a special place in my heart for the men and women that serve our cities in that capacity, and I know that's all because of my grandfather. 

They have devoted much of their time to helping others as they've served in various capacities at a number of churches. Until very recently, my grandfather was always the first one to show up on Sunday morning, and many times the last to leave. Their example is one I continue to admire.

Imagine how different life is now than it was when they got married. In 1940 a new house was around $3900 and a gallon of gas was 11 cents. You could buy a bottle of aspirin for 76 cents and a new refrigerator for $240. They have seen a lot of change in their lives, and I hope they live to see even more.

Happy Anniversary Grandmommie and Papa!!!

I love you so much!!!