Over two and a half decades ago, on Christmas Eve,  it started with a glance across the room at a dinner between mutual friends. This past Saturday, it was a celebration of life and love with the family they’ve created and the friends that have provided unwavering support. What has happened in between has been nothing short of beautiful.

Daddy came in and swept our Mama off her feet with the charm of a southern gentleman and those big blue eyes (that we, thankfully, inherited). He loved her first three babies like his own, and together, they gave life to their younger three.

Daddy has been ever faithful to our Mama and has demonstrated to his children the value of honest work. He would do anything it takes to support his family. Meanwhile, Mama has always put the needs of her children above her own. She would sacrifice any selfish comfort to ensure her children were happy. To this day, she is our healer, confidant, and best friend.

On Saturday, I had the rare honor of watching my parents renew their marriage commitment to each other.

Since February 15th, 1988, they have shared approximately 9,125 days together, 36 months of pregnancy, 288 mortgage payments, celebrated 242 birthdays, changed 3,276 diapers, ate 1,300 pots of spaghetti.

25 years later, they continue to love each other fiercely. Daddy still opens the door for Mama, cooks breakfast on Sunday mornings, holds her hand as they walk together, and, in her own precious words, “still reaches for me in my sleep.”

We should all be so lucky to experience that kind of love.