June 4, 1955

[linaewen]

I can't resist sharing a lovely picture of my mom on her wedding day, which I found in some things I was sorting through recently.  I just love this picture!  And today being the day my folks would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary, I think it's appropriate to share it.  ;-)

My folks met at a mission school in Frenchburg, KY, where they were both teaching.  They got engaged only a few months after they met!  My dad had always said he would marry before he turned 30, and he managed it by the skin of his teeth, since his 30th birthday fell on June 5, 1955.  :-D

I'm here with my dad today, to be with him on his anniversary -- since my mom is no longer here.  He seems to be doing very well, at least emotionally.  He has no trouble talking about her, which is his way of keeping her memory alive, I think.  Tomorrow, on his birthday, the family plans to drive over to the next town and pick out a monument for the cemetery.  Not the sort of thing one usually does on a birthday, but that's what he's keen on right now!  I think he wants everything to be nice for her.  ;-)  He mentioned to me last night that he never got the opportunity to pick one out for his own parents or brother, because they had military monuments, so I think he's pleased that he gets to do this for that reason, too.  He's a very practical sort of guy, and I think that's helping him a lot.

I am doing very well through all this, my dears.  Typing this has made me a bit teary-eyed, but it's good tears, if you know what I mean.  It's going to be be a good day today.

I shall write more about my mom, for sure -- and about how I'm processing everything that has happened in the last three or so weeks.  I just haven't got that all together yet!  But I sure didn't want to put off sharing this picture of the cute and happy couple.

Comments

[mumstheword54.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing the memory and the photo!

And blessings to you and your daddy today and tomorrow.

*hugs*

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

What a happy photo and a wonderful life together through so much change in this world and your family is strong. A Wonderful legacy.

Remembering you all,

Tom

[carlassean.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful photograph.. Your mum looks so happy.. Thanks for sharing. Carla

[estellye.livejournal.com]

Oh! They are so adorable! She looks absolutely lovely and so happy. I am glad your father is able to talk about her and focus on the small things he can do like the headstone. It sounds like he is doing ok, which must be such a relief to you. (((((you)))))

[meneleth.livejournal.com]

What a nice picture! It must be hard for your Dad to have lost her so close to their anniversary. My Mom died a few months before her birthday and 8 months before their anniversary, so we had a little more time to process things.

Old pictures are wonderful, aren't they? After my father's funeral we (just the family) went back to his house and spent several hours reminiscing and looking through photo albums. There was one from my father's younger days (high school, WWII and college) that seemed to indicate he was something of a ladies' man before he met Mom! Who knew?! And our own kids got a real kick out of seeing my brother and me at their age.

Keeping you in my thoughts...

[shirebound]

Thank you for sharing that happy photo with us.

*tight hugs for you*

[telperion1.livejournal.com]

I have to say it... you're dad looks a bit like a geek. But a cute one. Your parents both look so happy. *hugs*

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Yes, my dad is a geek, lol! I never could get him to read LotR, though, alas! But even so, he definitely has his geeky pursuits.

*hugs back*

[(Anonymous)]

(((Lin))) How wonderfully heart warming! They are simply the cutest things! ~~LHB

[bageldelight.livejournal.com]

Awwwww....you and your Mom look so much alike, especially the smile! I love wedding photos. He looks sly, your Dad :D

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

You have a good eye, lol! He's a pretty snarky guy, my dad. And sly fits, too.

A lot of people have been looking at old picture of my mom and telling me I look like her -- which pleases me no end! :-)

*hugs you*

[bageldelight.livejournal.com]

I would no doubt adore him then, as snark is rather a specialty of mine. :D

You really do...its the smile and facial shape; she looks like a person who loved life and lived it as fully as she could, and that is a wonderful thing. *hugs you back*

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

That is a lovely picture, ((((((Lin)))))). If I remember the pictures I have seen of you, you favor your mother. They were, indeed, a very cute young couple.

[rowantwig.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing that adorable picture! I'm looking forward to more.

Happy Birthdaze

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

My Dear Twin,
I know this is not the best mode to tell you this but I think I found a small gift for your birthday that will comfort you for years to come. I say this here because I dont have your email addy in my laptop yet and I am having said birthday gift sent to you from Over The Hills And Far Away and I am not sure when it will arrive at your address, but know that whatever comes (there is a surprise include of which I know not) It is from me to you on our day.

I hope you can celebrate in peace and happiness during these hard times for you and yours.

Ever yours,

TT

Re: Happy Birthdaze

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

You are a sweetheart!! I have had a few down moments of late, but they are short-lived. My heart is quite peaceful and happy, in spite of the hard times -- and you make it even more so with your care for me. :-D

Your own little something from me to you will be on its way as soon as I can get out and about on my own; I'm also not sure I have found everything I want to include in it. Shopping for my twin is fun, so I want to prolong it a bit. ;-)

With love,

Margie

Re: Happy Birthdaze

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

(((((((((TWINNER))))))))))))))))

Re: Happy Birthdaze

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Oops, I forgot my address book and I want to mail your item today on my way out of town. Can you post your address for me? Thanks!!

[lady-branwyn.livejournal.com]

Aww, what a sweet couple!

[chic-too.livejournal.com]

Thanks for making me smile today :)

[chic-too.livejournal.com]

This is probably a question for an email but since I don't know much about your history I have to ask. It doesn't look to me like your parents come from Pakistan which is where I thought you were from. Pardon my ignorance :).
I am adopted and so are my brothers both of them have one Asian birth parent which of course people commented on when we were growing up, not in a bad way of course. I am half Lebenese but I don't think many people would see it.
Just being nosey.
Hope you are doing okay

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Hello, my dear!

I'm from Pakistan, only in that I lived there for 18 years with my hubby and son, doing mission work. I was born in Wisconsin, USA, though, and grew up there, and went to Pakistan with my husband after we were married. My folks visited twice, which I thought was pretty cool!

I didn't realize that about your family, but I think it's wonderful to have a mixed family like that! We considered adopting a Pakistani child at one time, but it didn't work out.

I am doing okay these days, though I have had a few more down times recently. There sure is a lot to sort through afterwards, isn't there!

((((You))))