Unless it was a very private thing between them, I don't recall my parents making too much of a big deal about their anniversary. Perhaps you don't when you have so many of them, one following another year after year. That's not really who my parents are. They didn't fuss over themselves, opting instead to fuss over others. That fact didn't stop me from being the dutiful son, however. I still sent cards and well wishes, even gift cards to restaurants so they actually would go out to dinner and celebrate.
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August 6, 1981 20th Anniversary |
Since then, the bible has set in Mom's living room (my parents had separate living rooms, but that's another story). She's kept it updated over the years; inside are places to write family historical information. So on Saturday, the Troutman Family Bible will be 36 years old.
I suppose, being the eldest Troutman son, that someday the bible will come to me, after which I will pass it down to the next Troutman generation and so on. At least, that was the original idea 36 years ago. Mom might "Prince Charles" me and pass me over, giving it to one of her grandsons instead. And that's her prerogative. I had a hand in starting the tradition so, in fact, I've already taken my turn with it.
So, then, tomorrow. I guess I can no longer wish them a "happy" anniversary, because from here on out the day probably won't be. But I'll call Mom on that day and we'll talk. We might not even mention that it's their anniversary. Or that might be all we talk about. Either way, she'll know why I'm calling.
The important thing is to talk to both of them on that day - as I always have done and will continue to do. It's just that from now on, they will be separate conversations.