50th Anniversary. It's All About Family

50 years, and almost a whole month ago, Derek's parents were married in the Manti Temple.  Since then, they have ordered their lives around family.  When school was finished, they chose the job that was closest to extended family, and presented the best opportunity for them, and their children, to associate with good relatives.  They wanted to be available to help family when needed, and to have their children know their cousins, and their grandparents.

They married in the temple because they wanted an eternal family, and they do everything they can to make sure that their family associations are the kind that they would really like to keep forever.  I have had the honor of knowing Derek's parents for half of their married life.  They have eleven children that they love, and work hard to teach and help.  Even now, when none of us live in their home, they do what they can through their service, and their example, to strengthen their children, their children in law, and their 49 grandchildren.  They love their family.

On the 29th and 30th of March they had their 50th anniversary celebration.  All of the children and spouses who could come were there.  After dinner, Derek's Mom and Dad asked that we go around the table and tell something that we had learned about marriage that has been helpful to us.  They were using their occasion to help strengthen our marriages by allowing us to learn from each other. 

On the 30th we had a program prepared for them.  Derek's Mom said that entering the room filled with family was like entering heaven for her.  Every family was given a few minutes to honor the parents in some way.  We did a puppet show.  There were also musical numbers, videos, art work, pillows, and slide shows.  It was a terrific program in honor of parents who have worked very hard to teach and love their family to the best of their ability.  They do a really good job of remembering the importance of family.  It is all about family.