Celebrations!

This post is all about longevity, dedication, sacrifices and love. In the past month, my parents have had three huge Celebrations. One was a milestone, another... life changing, and the last is a marker for an ongoing commitment which has affected many lives and created several more(directly) three and (indirectly) four. A commitment the likes of which most people these days can't even comprehend, much less make the sacrifices and accommodations that would be required to accomplish such a feat.

We begin with my Mom, usually and affectionately referred to as Mamaw. This year she celebrated the big 60. Now I know some of you are doing the math and realizing that, at 42, I was born when she was only 18. I can't even comprehend being married and having a kid at 18, but she did it, and did it well. So a big Happy Birthday to Mamaw. She had lots of help with the candles!

Our second celebration...My Dad has retired...FINALLY! After several years of prompting from all of "US", he finally took the plunge and said enough was enough. His delay was a goal he set...he wanted to complete his 45th year with the company. Yes, that's right, 45 years working for ONE company. What started out as a private family owned Atlanta company was of course sold to a bigger nationwide corporation in recent years but still remained "the company" to my Dad. He remained loyal to the end and beyond. I think they are still calling and asking questions. We, the family, were invited to his Exit Party. We ate BBQ, several people spoke. Most had not even been alive 45 years. Old records were pulled out and it was revealed that he started working for $1.25 per hour. Here he is receiving his....plaque.

What you say!?, 45 years and all he got was a stupid $10 plaque? Seriously!? (sorry, just watched a Grey's Anatomy rerun) Is it just me or does that just seem beyond cheesy? Okay, Okay don't get too upset. They did give him a retirement gift, exactly what he asked for, but where's the loyalty? This man has probably made the company millions over the past 45 years! Wouldn't a nice trip to Hawaii been an amazing surprise? Where's the love? I'll tell you where it is...

Click Play! It will bring up another screen but you can come back and finish reading!

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Yep, that's right. My parents also celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary this year. Yes, you're counting again, "okay if Mom had her at 18 and she's 42 then she must have been three years younger when she married...15!?" If I were good at math, I would calculate the percentage of her life she has spent married...but I'm not good at math, you get the point! The question is...Can they survive Retirement????? My Dad is under "New Management", my Mom is not used to him being around during the day...at all. This should be fun to watch. Hopefully, for their sake, they will adjust quickly and have some fun, go on some trips and enjoy life...it is meant to be enjoyed and they have earned it!

So there you go. If anyone would like to congratulate them, wish them well, or warn them of impending doom... you can email them @ pdpatterson@alltel.net .