Does Your Marriage Have What It Takes to Go the Distance? A Tribute to Mom, Dad, & 51 Years

My parents -- Robert and Lillian Slice
Still dancing after 51 years!

Fifty years seems like a long time, until I think about the fact that it’s only a few years longer than I have been alive, and then it doesn’t seem like very long at all.  But to be married to someone for 51 years, now that’s a long time.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for staying married.  By staying married for half a century you demonstrated that when two people say “I Do,” it is for keeps, and that when you love someone, you never hedge your bets, keep your options open, or have a Plan B.  You put all your money on the table, all your chips in the pot, and all your eggs in one basket.

By staying married for 51 years, you have demonstrated that love means commitment, even when the hard times come – especially when the hard times come. I've seen your marriage weather sickness, financial hardship, emotional struggles, parenting and grandparenting challenges, sorrow, disappointment, and even death.  

Staying married meant that some days you loved her (or him) better than you loved yourself, because loving yourself might have meant leaving instead of staying.

Staying married meant that some days you loved your children more than you loved yourselves. I thank God I never had to live in two homes, sleep in two beds, or have two sets of parents. Frankly, I like the original pair.

Most of all, by staying married for 51 years, you demonstrated to us that when you promised before God and your families and friends that you would love, honor, and cherish each other as long as you both would live, ‘til death should part you, you meant it.  You gave your word, and you've kept it.  At least, so far so good . . .   
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.

Robert & Lillian Slice 

October 12, 1961 - October 12, 2012

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