Sunday, October 14, 2012

Day 13 50th Wedding Anniversary


Sorry No Projects for today!  In fact it has been very hard getting projects done the last few days.  My dad asked me to speak at my parents 50th wedding Anniversary, IN CHURCH!    So I have been writing my speech.  


Good Afternoon.
Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate this special moment in my parent’s life.

My parents have withstood the test of time and stayed true to the wedding vows they took 50 years ago here at St. Patrick. 

Most of us were not here for that joyous occasion, however we have celebrated many other wonderful milestones with them throughout the years. 

Was it an easy 50 years for them?  Definitely not! They have had some bumps in the road, or a broken bus or two.  But through sickness and health, richer and poorer, they have stayed by each other’s side.  They have accomplished a lot together, travelled from Ireland to Africa.  They started and manage the Pioneer drum corps for over 50 years.  They continue to welcome members and staff into their own home from all corners of the world.   They have extended their generosity to everyone they meet, you only need to read the journal of guests up at the cabin to realize their acts of kindness.  
They have created a wonderful family that is growing and changing every year with their own three children and eight grandchildren. 

They say actions speak louder than words and mom and dad’s dedication and passion for drum corps is an example of the length they will go to in order to share and support each other in achieving their dreams.

However, what many people do not see is my parents dedication to family.  When Roman, Sandy and I were growing up my parents attended all of our basketball, soccer, track meets, and band concerts.  When the grandchildren came along Grandma B and Daddy B did their best to attend as much as possible, in fact, rarely does Grandma B miss an event.  I know Roman, Sandy and I feel blessed to have our parents involved in our families’ lives. 

I have recently read something Mother Theresa had hanging in a room for the children in Calcutta. It reminded me of the lessons my parents modeled for us. The sign read:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. 
Forgive them anyways.

If you are kind, people will accuse you of being selfish, or having ulterior motives.
Be kind anyways.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyways.

What you spend years creating, others can destroy overnight.
Create anyways.

The good you do today may often be forgotten.
Do good anyways.

Daddy B’s words of wisdom are not that different from Mother Theresa and mom was very good at quoting Daddy B when she needed to get her point a crossed, just ask the boys.

1.     Buddies stick together. 
2.     Buddies forgive.
3.      Buddies Share
4.    Buddies sometimes need to hurry up and then wait.
5.     Buddies only leave footprints.
6.     And always be there for your buddy!


My mom and dad will be the first ones to admit that marriage is all about compromise. Although they may disagree and sometimes even argue, at the end of the day they are thankful for the togetherness and friendship they share. And as they rise and shine for a bright new day, they’ll work to be Better Every Day!


Congratulations dad and mom on your 50th wedding anniversary, the entire family is proud of you and we love you.  And as old Irish Blessing says:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back
May the sunshine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft upon your fields
May God continue to bless and keep you all the days of your lives.


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