Thursday, July 11, 2013

JULY 11, 1953

Yes, July 11, 1953--sixty years ago. Back then a loaf of bread cost a mere 13¢, a gallon of gas would set you back only 29¢, and the minimum wage here in the U.S. was 75¢ an hour. This was the post World-War II era, a time of prosperity and hope for many; a time of rapid change and growing families. And on this day sixty years ago, a lovely, young journalist married a handsome, young medical school student. That couple would become my dear parents.

Unfortunately, today, their 60th wedding anniversary, is a difficult day--especially for my mother. I haven't mentioned this on my blog before, but many of my closest blogging friends already know--my dad has dementia, Lewy Body Dementia to be exact, and no longer knows any of us.  So, on what should be a day of joyful celebration--reaching that 60-year milestone, my dad is unaware of its significance...

I'll be visiting my mom this week and we'll make every effort to recall the good memories made during my parents' marriage. One of the best was a family trip to northern New Hampshire which we all took to celebrate their 50th anniversary ten years ago. They didn't want a party--just wanted to celebrate with their four children and our spouses and their nine grandchildren. But, we wanted to include well-wishes from their other family members and friends so we came up with the idea of a memory book which I, as the only non-full-time worker was tasked with putting together. Oh, my, what a project this turned out to be--I had no idea just how many hours I would spend putting together the memory book. A true labor of love!

50th Wedding Anniversary scrapbook for my parents

I sent a letter to each of their friends--past and present--requesting any old photos or special memories they shared with my mom and dad. In the letter, I included a simple sheet of cardstock which I printed with a border and a single word: "Remember" on which each friend could reply. The response was overwhelming--childhood and college friends and long ago co-workers, as well as current friends and family, sent back not only their memories, but wonderful  cards and old photos of my parents, many of which I had never seen before. What a treasure trove!

Remember...

After the scrapbook was assembled, I had to figure out what to put in the blank area on the front of it. I think it was originally meant for a photograph, but I decided to stitch something instead. Simple, right? Well, not exactly--you see, I hadn't cross stitched at all in almost ten years! Yes, I had given it up totally when I was at my busiest--raising three boys who were going in all different directions, working part-time at the library, and overseeing our whole-house remodeling project. I had totally abandoned my needle and thread. Until 2003, that is, when I decided that my parents' memory book needed a bit of cross stitch to dress it up! And that is why I'm showing this to you. If it hadn't been for me stitching this single piece for my parents' anniversary book and rediscovering my love of cross stitching, I wouldn't "know" a single one of you! There would have been no blog, no stitched gifts given and received from around the world, no new wonderful friendships like the ones I've made through blogging over the past 4 ½ years... This little pastel-colored finish started it all!



The stitched heart was from an old issue of a needlework magazine (I'm sorry, I can't remember the exact one) and is stitched on simple white Aida. That is the only fabric I had back then; I hadn't discovered the wonderful world of evenweaves and linens at that time. I changed  the design a bit and added my parents' names at the top (covered for privacy) along with their wedding and 50th anniversary dates. Some little pearly heart buttons adorn each corner and tiny beads are added on the side columns. The piece was a perfect fit for the insert on the front of the album.


I can't even begin to describe all the laughter and tears that filled the room as my parents looked through the album for the first time. Oh, my--I can still picture my dad laughing to the point of crying as he read some of the old stories his friends had sent in. And, of course, that set off everyone else--what a great night that was! Each of us kids and each of the grandchildren made a page, too--so very special...

Believe me, the hours and hours I spent putting this huge book together for mom and dad were worth every second. They've taken so much pleasure looking through it over the past ten years. Today my dad can no longer recall most of the names of the faces who stare back at him, but I think the old photos still bring him comfort in some way.

 Fifty years of memories

Of all the photos my parents have from their wedding day, this is my favorite. They are just so full of joy, so full of hope! Off in that wonderful, big, blue car to their honeymoon in Maine and on to a new life filled with love and laughter, tears and sorrow, compromises and understandings. And they did have a great life together--for so, so many years. I told my mother just last week that we've been very blessed as a family. Up until the past few years when my dad's memory problems worsened, we were blessed in almost every way. 

July 11, 1953--off on their honeymoon!

One of the very last pages I created for their 50th wedding anniversary scrapbook contained a lovely thought on the love a long-time older couple shares:
                                                              
THE BEAUTY OF LOVE

"The question is asked, “Is there anything more
beautiful in life than a young couple clasping hands
and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be
anything more beautiful than young love?"
And the answer is given. “Yes, there is a more
beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an
old woman finishing their journey together on that path.
Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are
seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically
bowed and tired, but still strong with love and devotion for
one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than
young love. Old love."
   --Unknown

Yes, old love is a beautiful thing and on the rare occasion when my dad does recognize my mom, it is so sweet and tender.  Every now and then, when she visits him at the memory care facility where he has lived since mid-February, he will hug her as she prepares to leave and say "I love you so much, you little sweetheart, you." Watching them, my eyes fill with tears and I have to look away. For I remember not only what was, but what should have been...

When I'm with my mom this week and go to the memory care center to visit my dad, I won't be saying "Happy Anniversary." That's just too hard on my mom. But, I will be saying... Thank You. Thank you for meeting each other and falling in love and having me and my three wonderful siblings. Thank you for raising us in the safety of a small town where we knew our neighbors and walked down the street to church and up the hill to school. Thank you for teaching us the importance of kindness and respect. Thank you for loving each other and your precious family--always and unconditionally.  I feel very lucky and blessed to have you for parents--I truly do...

July 11, 1953

110 comments:

Mavi. said...

Enhorabuena Carol, desde aquí no me entra el traductor. Mis felicitaciones para tus padres por su feliz aniversario.
Se ven guapísimos en las fotos.
Ojalá todos podamos llegar a celebrar las bodas de oro.
Un gran beso.

cucki said...

Wow it so beautiful and a beautiful idea :)
Love for you x

Peggy Lee said...

What a beautiful story. So sad about your father though. My prayers are with you and your family. I know your visit with your mom this week will bring her joy.
~hugs

Lisa V said...

Carol, what a beautiful post. The genuine and true love you show for your parents is heartwarming. They are two very special people.
Having lost a Grandmother to dementia I understand the journey you now take with your Father. Special memories will forever be in your heart.
Hugs dear friend.

Bruna Aguiar Melo said...

Such nice memories...
Congrats!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your parents. Such lovely memories. Thank you for this heart warming blog post...it made me reminisce about my parents. DH and I will celebrate 46 years in August!

Libby said...

Such a beautiful post. You are blessed to have such wonderful memories.

Pam

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful post and tribute to your wonderful parents Carol. The beautiful memory book with the stunning cross stitch on it , the pictures of your parents are all so touching . You are a treasured daughter I am sure . Thank you for sharing this story .

Mii Stitch said...

Beautiful post x

Vickie said...

Oh Carol! Oh Carol! What a lovely tribute to your parents love. I type with tears in my eyes Carol. I enjoyed reading every word of your wonderful post. So glad you will be with your mom this week. I know she is so glad too. Oh, enjoy your time there. Take care.♥

Ellen said...

Wow, all the precious memories in one book! You are great to take time and love to put all the memories together. Thank you for this beautiful post!

Hugs,

Barb said...

A lovely heart warming tribute to your parents marriage Carol. How perfect a gift you made and I hope you spend some happy time with your mum and dad when you go to visit. You certainly are a credit to them.

Emma Louise said...

The memory book is such a lovely idea! This post brought a tear to my eye, thank you for sharing something which I'm sure was difficult to put into words.

Jackie said...

Such a sweet post Carol and it is through your words I hear such greatness of love and gratitude. What a treasure trove you've created too, which brought back wonderful memories for your parents and your entire family. That is truly wonderful gift.
…and Thank you for sharing this post with us too.
I hope you will add another page to your book of memories when you visit with Mom and Dad, despite his condition.

Do enjoy your visit,
Jackie :))

Belinda said...

Oh Carol, what an absolutely beautiful post. Your family life and upbringing sounds so full of love and support. What beautiful memories you have and to have parents love each other so deeply. Thank you for sharing, it brings sadness but happiness also to an amazing history.

Solstitches said...

Well, your beautiful post has made me cry Carol.
The memory book is so special. Even more so since it was instrumental in getting you to pick up your needle once more.
I love the picture of your mom and dad off on their honeymoon.
Hugs,
Margaret

Robin in Virginia said...

What a beautiful and heart warming tribute to your parents, Carol! Thank you for sharing this story with us! What a gorgeous memory book cover you created with needle and thread.

Robin in Virginia

Laura said...

Hi Carol
Thank you for sharing with us,your memories and the love you feel for your parents and beautiful family.
It really was a joy for me to read .
Thanks again.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Very touching Carol.

CalamityJr said...

A beautiful love story with beautiful memories and a beautiful scrapbook to preserve those memories! Thank you for sharing their story; hugs and prayers for both your Mom and your Dad.

priscilla said...

So sorry about your Dad , Carol .. Such a nice post and a wonderful scrapbook you made them . Hope your Mom is holding up ok . She is very lucky she has you ! Have a safe trip .

Margaret said...

Oh my gosh, Carol. What a beautiful post. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes as I type this. Give your mom a big hug. Happy anniversary to your parents. I know it will be bittersweet.

Elizabeth Ann said...

Their memory book is so very lovely, how many pages did it end up being? Beautiful love story.... Have a safe trip, I know your mom will so enjoy you being with her....

Nima said...

wow...that's a lovely thought and beautiful album

Rachel S-H said...

A lovely post. They were a beautiful bridal couple, and that picture from the honeymoon is priceless. Sending them hugs on their anniversary.

Linda H said...

What a beautiful post honoring your parents. So very sorry to hear about your Dad's dementia, but remember all the good times and happy memories you all have shared through the years.. Blessings to you and your Mum! The many hours you spent on that wonderful book was so worth it- I'm sure it is treasured by your Mother.

Shirlee said...

A truly beautiful post Carol! It brought tears to my eyes. The memory book was a stroke of genius. What a treasure for your parents. Many hugs to you, my dear friend.

Annie said...

This is such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful marriage and family. Don't know whether you plan to show the post to your Mom, but I'm sure she would love to see all those kind words put together with the stitching story and memorable pictures.

Enjoy your time with her.

Dawn said...

What a beautiful post Carol. Your book is gorgeous, inside and out.

Rhona said...

What a beautiful post. And what a beautiful memory book....so special.

~*Sharee*~ said...

You made me cry hun. :) Happy and sad tears, I also was blessed with wonderful parents growing up (and still today), except I lost my dad to a heart attack in 2005, he was only 70. Thank god we have memories..Thank you for sharing yours.

Hugs, Shar

LindataxPA said...

Carol.....I know these past couple of years have been very difficult for you and your Mom and the entire family. Your love for them both shows so much in your face when you talk about your visits. And what a beautiful 50th anniversary tribute. Enjoy your visit this week too. Travel safe.

Linda

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I hope you know that you reached across the internet and touched each and every single one of us who has read your beautiful and most touching words about your dear sweet parents.

Blessings always to you and yours

Jennifer said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful and heartbreaking story!!!! It must be so bittersweet for your mom to have had all those years of happy times, yet no longer really be able to share them with her beloved husband. Big hugs to you all - even though you've been blessed for so many years and feel so grateful for those blessings, it still stings a bit, doesn't it?

And what a simply stunning album and family treasure!

Vicki said...

Carol, what a touching post. My parents are celebrating their 59th anniversary today. I have found myself wondering the past few days if they will make it to 60th and will they be healthy. Not in a morbid way, but in a realistic way. Your parents are a great example to the rest of us what "in richer, in poorer; in sickness and in health" means. Congrats to both of them. And thank you for sharing them with us.

Mary said...

Carol, your love, respect and appreciation for your parents and the life they gifted you with is beautiful.
Your post brought tears to my eyes as I read it. Thank you for sharing as I'm sure it wasn't an easy one to write.

I am grateful and blessed that you did pick up your needle 10 years ago....you are one of my best stitching friends whose friendship I treasure.

I hope your trip back home gives you the chance to "revisit" the keepsake that was truly YOUR labor of love for your first loves. It is a blessing to commemorate such a blessed family life.

HUGS to you, my friend

Melissa said...

Carol, what a lovely tribute to your parents! When I wrote my email to you this morning asking after them, I had not read your post yet.

What you put together for them, in the form of an album first, then added cross stitch later, was a huge labour of love and huge accomplishment. Thank you for this lovely post!

Barb said...

Aww Carol. You have touched my heart. You are an inspiration. Love you and looking forward to seeing you!

Cole said...

Thank you for sharing Carol, this is a beautiful post. I love the gift you compiled for your parents, it was a great idea! So many memories in one spot, memories that won't get lost now with time! Hugs to you, I hope that you enjoy your time on your visit back home this week.

marly said...

What a beautiful post and photos and a truly personal and special gift you made. So sad for your family, but although his mind may not remember, his heart does.

BrendaS said...

Carol -- What a beautiful well-written post about your parents and family!!!! Treasure all those memories.....

Take care my friend!

Sweet Sue said...

A very beautiful tribute and touching family treasure. Am sure your efforts have brought many cherished family moments that will continue into future generations, well done my friend. xo

Elia said...

Muchas muchas felicidades,
es maravilloso el trabajo-regalo que has preparado para tus padres, están guapos de verdad en las fotos, la foto del coche me encanta, es maravillosa, cuánta felicidad!!

Te superas en cada entrada, y espero que les des un abrazo muy grande, ellos también tienen la surte de tenerte a ti, eres una hija especial !!

besos grandes

Felicidades!!

Katya said...

Carol, thank you so much for this beautiful post. Your family is amazing.

Lesleyanne said...

A beautiful story and keepsake. A shame your father can't remember all the happy times him and your mother had xx

Paula said...

Carol, What an incredibly awesome post!

Edit said...

Oh Carol... what a beautiful memory book you made for their 50th anniversary. Such a beautiful story, and they look so so happy on their wedding photos!!!

My warmest wishes to you and also to your mum on this special day!

Edit

Lumiruusu said...

Thank for sharing all this beauty with us !!
I love the stitched flower heart on the cover of the memory-book :)

Berit said...

Wonderful and Beautiful!!!

I hope you have a very good trip!

Clare-Aimetu said...

Beautiful and touching story - congratulations to your mum and Dad - that's a very special keepsake.

msmartello said...

Carol, What a wonderful treasure that is and filled with so many wonderful memories the life your parents shared. They are very lucky to have had so many wonderful years together.

Maureen

Catherine said...

Carol ~ such a beautiful and touching tribute to your parents. There was no was no way I could read this post and not have tears in my eyes! Wishing you a memorable time with your mom and dad ~ and may those small moments they have together be always remembered. Hugs...

Merilde said...

Dear Carol, I found your blog recently. What a lovely tribute to your parents and the love that surrounds your family. The book is a wonderful gift.
Lori

pj said...

Carol, I loved your post and those pictures of your parents. That pic in the car is wonderful! You have much to be proud of with that project for the 50th. SUPER!

Enjoy your visit with your mom and reminiscing.

p

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Carol, what a beautiful tribute to two wonderful special people! Yes, I'm tearing up as I type this. This is one touching post. I'm happy to call you friend. Take care! Hugs!!

Lanie said...

Oh my, Carol, what a lovely and touching post honoring your parents. May God bless them and your family.
I love the photo of your parents as they are off on their honeymoon!

Cath said...

What a lovely moving story , that has brought me to tears. Your Dads' mind may not remember , but his heart still does. XXX

BARBARA said...

What a touching and loving tribute to your Mom and Dad. My love and I will be celebrating 50 years married in September and it feels like yesterday that this wonderful person came into my life. How very blessed we are indeed!




















Linda said...

What a beautiful and loving memory post of your parents.

Linda

Anne said...

This post made me cry and I just want to reach out and hug you right now...HUGS. I know how hard this has been for you and your mom. Just remember to cherish each day with him and give him lots of love. The memory book is one of the most beautiful tributes to love I have ever seen. It's priceless and full of wonderful memories and made with love. Sending you lots of love and hugs from afar.

Your friend,

Anne

Southpaw Stitcher said...

What a sweet memory book, and a wonderful tribute to your parents!

Katrina said...

What a beautiful post Carol, and a beautiful book filled with memories to treasure and love. Lots of happy wishes being sent to you from afar :)

boysmum2 said...

Beautiful post. I miss my cross stitch and I always read your blog in awe of all the stitching that you do, but this post just shows me not to worry too much, cause as you have said, you only started stitching after growing your boys. Well my boys are not even teenagers yet so I know I have time in the coming years to sit and stitch so I am not so worried now as I know my time to stitch will get here one day when other important jobs have been completed. Thank you

Mary said...

A beautiful tribute to your parents Carol and your memory book is a wonderful idea and one that will be treasured by the family for ever.
Mary

Barb said...

Carol, That was a beautiful post,I have tears in my eyes. The honeymoon picture is priceless! Our Pastor said last Sun. that she is doing s similar thing for her parents 50th. They too, are taking a trip with their immediate family instead of a big party! Your album is beautiful! Plus thank goodness it brought you to all of us!

Friendship Crossing said...

I cried when I read that poem about 'old love' as I pictured my own parents in the same situation as yours just a few short yrs. ago. I truly feel for you and your mom and family!!
But so so very sweet that you made that album for them and stitched the front piece on there. Who knew then, that it would be just the very thing to get you started back into stitching again ~ how blessed we all are to see all the many wonderful things you've stitched since then.
My prayers go out to you all and all I can say is 'keep on stitching'!!!!. :))

Big hugs,
Tanya

Maggee said...

That was quite a beautiful post/story! Thank you for sharing with us in blog land! I AM glad you stitched that piece for the cover, and got re-ignited in your passion for cross stitch! It is wonderful to look back and see what we have done and seen and shared as a family. Hugs!

Myra said...

Such a beautiful post Carol. I must admit I was a puddle of tears by the time I reached the end. My heart goes out to your mom. I could feel the love you have for both of your parents in each word I read.

Wanda said...

Dear Carol,
Your beautiful post and tribute to your parents made me cry but you have captured their love and their gifts to you and your siblings so beautifully. Your beautiful memory book was such a terrific idea and treasure. (When my dad turned 80 I made a memory quilt for him filled with pictures of us kids and their grandchildren and framed with over 80 different pictures of animals he had on the farm over the years. They placed it on the wall in their bedroom and when dad was very sick and unable to be out of bed for long, he would look at his quilt and tell us stories about the events portrayed by the pictures or about the different animals - usually about what kind of deal he got or that they were really sick and he had to try to bring them back to health).
Your memory book took me down memory lane!
I love 'The Beauty of Love' and could not agree more.
I am so happy your creation of your parents' memory book brought you back to cross stitching and to the blogging world. :)
This is a really tough time for you, your mom and your family and my heart hurts for the difficult time you are having.
Thanks so much for sharing the beautiful blessings of your parents wonderful marriage. Sending you a big hug! Wanda

Jackie's Stitches said...

What a gift Carol to have 2 parents who loved each other so much! Your post is eloquent and touched my heart. Sending you and your mom a hug today. Thank you for sharing part of your parents love for each other with us!

Julianne said...

Dear Carol,

I can't read your post without thinking what a very special person you are. Your gift of communicating your feelings through the written word is a joy to behold.

I will always share this sad but special bond with you, that both our fathers that dedicated their lives to medicine, yours to human and mine to veterinary, suffer(ed) from this cruel disease. I hold you, your mother,and siblings in my thoughts. I pray your visit with your mother will be filled with the love that enables you both to be strong in this difficult journey

Faye said...

What a grand tribute..... I have shed many tears reading this post... I am so there with you.....

Gabi said...

What a wonderful post. It brought tears to my eyes. I wish you a great time with your mum even it is a hard time for you all

Gabi said...

What a wonderful post! I wish you a great time with your Mom and I really know what you go thru.
To read this post touched my heart and I thought of my parents.
Big hugs from Germany

hazel c UK said...

Such a lovely post Carol which I also read with tears in my eyes as today is my birthday and would have been my 55th wedding anniversary, I am very lucky thou I had 28 years with a wonderful man and have two children, my dear daughter who is also called carol is coming later to take me out. My dear mother also suffered like your Dad so I know a little of what you are going thru.

Enjoy your day Carol and make some new memories to share with your mum and dad. The book is beautful.

Thank you
Hugs
Hazel c UK

Lillie said...

What a beautiful tribute to your parents and a wonderful memories to treasure.

Marilyn said...

What great memories and pics.
And what a beautiful book for them to have.
Thanks for sharing.
Marilyn

Chris said...

What a wonderful post and tribute to your parents. Your 50th Anniversary project is just wonderful in so many ways. The memories and the stitching.

rosek1870 said...

I am so sorry about your father. My mom suffered with dementia in the years before she passed away. It is a cruel disease as it takes our loved one away from us before they are really gone. Enjoy your visit with your mom. I know she will enjoy every minute. My daughters no longer buy gifts for Mother's Day or Father's Day they take us out and we spend the day together. They know that is the best gift of all - their time. You are right the book you made is 2 gifts in one, beautiful memories and returning to cross stitch will always give you something to calm the stress and wonderful friends to support you as you go through this journey. Prayers for you and your family.
Hugs,
Rose

Heather said...

That was beautiful Carol. I am so sorry that your family is going through dementia. Praying for you and your family.
Love, Heather

Giovanna said...

I hope you had a happy day, despite your father's problems. What a wonderful memory book that must be, and how great that it got you back into stitching.

♥ Nia said...

For the first time on your blog, I just.. have no words.. this is truly sweet =) So touching.. beautiful tribute to your parents, you melted my heart =)
huge hug my friend xoxo

passionfruitprincess said...

Carol, what a lovely post! And what a wonderful keepsake you made that will be cherished by generations!
I am sad to hear about your Dad. My dear Grandfather was the same way.
How wonderful that they were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary and have so much fun.
Have a good visit your your parents.
Take care,
Ana Paula.

Barb said...

Carol, thank you so much for sharing this truly beautiful tribute to your Mom and Dad with us. I think we are all honored that you chose to share this with us - it reminds all of us our love for our parents and our families.

Reading the Comments is incredible and I know you must feel the love and support your many friends are sending you.

Best wishes to you and your family - may you find strength in the knowledge that we are with you!

Judy said...

Hi Carol,
Thanks for sharing your menories in this beautiful post. It is a tear jerker...but also filled with such great memories and love. The photos are incredible and the story a treasure. Have a fantastic visit.
Judy heartland stitcher

Penny said...

A lovely tribute to your mother and father, Carol. I can still remember the feelings I had when my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. Such a horrible disease that robs families of so much - but can't take away all of the wonderful memories built over a life time. Sending lots of love and hugs to you and you mom.

valerie said...

Hugs Carol! What a beautiful post and how wonderful of you to take on your scrapbook project. I am sure that it is such a treasure to your parents, especially your mom who can remember for both of them. I worry what the circumstances will be for my parents who hit their 60th in 2 years. Have a lovely visit with your parents. I am sure your mom is glad to have you there to stave off a little bit of the sadness. I will write soon. I have loads to tell you! *double hugs*

Cindy said...

What a wonderful gift from the heart, your scrapbook for them. I loved reading every word of this post, hugs to you and your wonderful parents.

Brigitte said...

Oh Carol. What a wonderful post you wrote here, it made me smile and brought up some tears at the same time. Your memory book is truely a work of love.

Kathy Ellen said...

The blessing of your parent's love and devotion for one another is beautiful. Their love radiates in you too, as you shared with us the heartfelt memories of their lives, intertwined together over many years of devotion in marriage.

The album that you created with a lovingly stitched piece on the cover, is lovely, and how special that you gathered so many wonderful stories from friends and family for them. You are a very special and loving daughter.

My prayers are with your dear Mother and Father, especially on this very special day.

God Bless Them & You!

Annette said...

Happy anniversary to your mom and dad.
60 years.. who.. that's very very long.
It will be hard to celebrate, happy that they made it, but sad that they can't celebrate as they hoped.

OMG Carol, what a wonderfull idea of that 50-th book.. love it..
I'm so happy you found your love agian at that point.
And you started you blog and I 'meet' you..
So happy with it

It really is a wonderfull piece that you made

That musted have been a golden moment, taht they look at it!!
Rememeber it for every

I really love that pic.. the smile on your mothers face

Your post made me cry.. thank you so much for this lovely post!
I hope you can make it a bit ahappy day for you morther
She had a wonderfull dress!!
Very beautifull!!!

Hope you will have a great time

Charlene ♥ NC said...

What a beautiful gift for your parents, heirloom for the rest of your family, and for us getting to know you!

Hugs and love for you all!

Christina said...

Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful memories. Love the scrapbook. Sorry their anniversary is a mixed blessing for your mom and your family.

Karoline said...

Such a beautiful post, thank you for sharing it with us.


I shall keep you & your family in my thoughts and prayers, dementia is the cruelest disease

Pam in IL said...

Wonderful memories and pics. I struggle every year when my parents anniversary comes around. It's especially hard for my mom since losing dad to a stroke 3 years ago.

I'm glad you found cross stitching again ;-)

Julie said...

Such a heart moving post Carol, so lovely. A very special gift you created and I'm sure it brings such comfort to your mum. Have a wonderful visit with her and your dad too. Much love xxx

butterfly said...

Such a beautiful post Carol, I know deep in my heart what you and your mother are going through , you are such a lovely daughter, and you know your parents are proud of you, sending best wishes to you all. Big hugs.

LoriU said...

Oh Carol, it took me two tries to read your entire post because I kept crying. So so sweet, and what a wonderful album.

My mother also has Lewy Body Dementia. Well, she has dementia and the last neurologist she saw told her it was Lewy Body. I don't know exactly how they diagnose that since from what I read it can only be diagnosed via autopsy, but that is what they tell us. It is sweet when every now and then she recognizes my dad. She does not know me anymore either which at times is very hard, but I have tried to accept it for what it is.

Take care my friend...we will pray for your mom and dad.

Melanie said...

Oh my goodness, that picture of them in the car! It just radiates pure joy and happiness. It's amazing.
I'm so sorry about your dad. My FIL was lost in dementia at the end of his life and it is an exquisite type of pain to lose someone - while they are still right in front of you to see and touch and love. I can only imagine how it is for your mother after all their years together. You are all very strong to bear it. The memory book is something that will be handed down and cherished for many, many years to come, I'm sure. It's beautiful.

Marie said...

What an absolutely beautiful post! You have been blessed with the love of two amazing parents. :)

Thank you for sharing that poem.


Valma said...

Ho my, can I hide that tears came to my eyes while reading your post ?
no I can't...
Your words are so beautiful !
Your tribute really melted my heart
60 years...are they still couples lasting that long ?
the pictures you shared with us are so lovely and precious
the idea of the book with all the 'remember' is so great !! I wish I had the same for my parents 40th anniversary last year =)
You know I'm with you and thinking a lot of you
lot's of love
xxxx

Sally said...

What a beautiful gift for your parents Carol. Congratulations to them on an amazing achievement. I wonder how many couples getting married now will reach it!

Kay said...

Beautiful post Carol, thanks for sharing all these wonderful memories and photos! Beautiful gift as well for your parents. Beautiful all around!

Nicky said...

Hello Carol,
I have read and reread this post and I'm still struggling to know what to say. Your parents have made so many wonderful memories and created a beautiful and loving family. You have a gift for telling the story of their lives and your gift to them will be always treasured.

Giovi's Creations said...

Ohh! I loved your post, Carol!
Love memories and happy thoughts... Make our lives, our histories...
...and the album is beautiful!
Giovi

Quiltsmiles said...

Carol, You've touched my heart with your post and beautifully written words. God bless and thanks. Jane

Lynn said...

Oh Carol, what a truly touching and heartfelt story and such a moving tribute to your parents' love. Your story has brought tears but also smiles as I glimpsed some of the happiness shining out from their wedding photos.I know how difficult this must be for both you and your mother as I support another friend who is making this journey with her family at this time.
I'm so glad that your memory book continues to be a source of comfort for your father and mother,each in their own way.
I'm also glad that their love brought you back to one of your loves,needlework, and that we have all been enriched by that.

Melody said...

I know I am late in commenting , but had to say, what a beautiful post! It brought a tear to my eyes. Yes, Carol, you are blessed to have grown up in such a loving family. We don't stop to remember those important things often enough. Treasure your parents while you still have them. I miss both of mine everyday.
Hugs to you and your family.

Adana said...

My heart goes out to you and your family. What lovely photos and stitching you've shared. I'm sorry for your situation with your father as mine passed 4 yrs ago and had Alzheimer's for a decade. Its not an easy thing to deal with. Your mama is so lucky to have you!!!!

Nancy M said...

What a great thing you did and it's a present to us that you came back to stitching so you could share your wonderful talent. It's very sad story for your parents, but what a great life they did have for 50 years. I hope your Mom is doing well.