57 Years

57 years.  That is a long time to do anything.  My parents have been married for 57 years today.  And they have been happily married for 57 years today!  They would be the first to tell you that everything hasn't been easy or simple or without compromise and hard work.  But they are a living testament to what can happen when two people truly commit their lives to one another and to God and then set off on the journey of a lifetime, hand in hand.  It is a beautiful thing.

My Mama and Daddy famously met while standing in the registration line at Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College (now Truman State University) on June 4, 1954.  Mama tells the story that Daddy asked her to marry him the evening of their first date.  She turned him down.  But, she says she secretly knew that this was, in fact, the very man she would marry.  And marry him she did... a mere 8 weeks later on Aug. 4, 1954!  I don't know that there are many love stories that began like that that have endured for 57 years!

Mama shortly after they married

Daddy shortly after they married - in the Naval Reserves

Early on Mama was his number one encourager as Daddy pursued his Bachelor's, then his Master's, then his Doctorate.  Those weren't easy years - moving constantly, living in student housing (or worse) and trying to raise two little kids (Julie and Kerry who, by the way, were only 13 months apart in age!).  But they persevered - consistently sharing the same vision for their future - understanding the synergy of their life together.  (Synergy, one of Daddy's favorite words, means 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts')

Julie, Mama, Kerry, Daddy

Eventually they returned to Kirksville - the place where it had all begun - so that Daddy could accept a teaching job at that very same college.  Who could have known what that move would eventually mean to our family and to so many.  It is at that point that Northeast/Truman became a 'part of our family'.

Kerry, Laura, Mama, Julie, Daddy

As their daughter I have personally witnessed the strength of their commitment and the power of their love and respect for one another.  In 1987, when Daddy was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, the future looked grim indeed.  But Mama was there, right beside him, through every agonizing moment.  Likewise, when Mama was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004, Daddy never left her side.

Mama and Daddy in 1987

Mama and Daddy in 2004

Certainly the example of my parents marriage guided me in many positive ways, including helping me to choose a wonderful soulmate as my own husband.  I knew I wanted what they have and set out determined to settle for nothing less.  Just another miracle worked through the example of their lives.

Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004 - with a photo of another Willis Jackson and his bride on their 50th!  (Daddy's grandparents)

And now here they are at 57 years.  I know that I count this day as one of the best holidays in the calendar year.  It is a day that is quite meaningful not only to them, but to us, their family.  We clearly understand the legacy that they have established and given to us as a sacred gift.  We are eternally grateful.

Mama and Daddy July 2011

We are eternally grateful....