Last Saturday, April 30th was my parents 70th Wedding Anniversary. What a milestone! We held an Open House for them which was attended by some of the family that live close-by and friends from Church. They were pleased to see a few Gridley friends from the time they lived there. They truly enjoyed visiting with those in attendance and felt honored to be recognized for a marriage of such duration - a rarity! The cute little wedding cake topper on the cake is from their original wedding cake. We found it for their 50th anniversary, and I've kept it safeguarded since then.
My parents were married in a 'civil ceremony' at a little chapel in Santa Monica, CA, then the next day they were married in the St. George, Utah temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They are parents of 5 children - 3 still living, 24 grandchildren and 64 Great Grandchildren - last count.
They lived most of their married life in Mar Vista, CA which is where their 5 children were born. They then spent 12 years in Simi Valley, CA, 11 years in Gridley, CA, about 6 years in Yuba City, one of which they were on a mission for the Church to Atlanta, GA. They always wanted to live in Utah, so they did that from 1994-2001. They've spent the last 10 years back in Yuba City, CA. They now reside in a lovely Assisted Living Facility where they are safe and well taken care of, yet still enjoy a degree of independence. They are both still able to attend Church with us every Sunday. I think they are the oldest folks in our ward!
They don't feel like they are old enough to have been married 70 years. In fact, just last week my mom asked me if I couldn't see about getting her a job at the Health Food Store where I work part-time. She thought she would enjoy it. She hasn't mentioned it again, so I haven't inquired at work ;o)
They both use walkers, and my dad has an electric chair he revs up for trips to the near-by Target store for small items (think candy, cheese puffs and soda pop). Their facility takes them on monthly trips to Wal-Mart and occasional lunch outtings or scenic drives. They miss not being able to drive and go where they want, when they want.
We love them and are glad they live near-by.
