My parents got married 52 years ago today

Tiny ceremony at my mom's parents house in Clinton, LA (technically Slaughter off of Plank Road).

Grandparents offered the wedding or the money. My parents took the money.

Mom and Dad met in January 1974 while both were attending Southeastern over in Hammond. Nine WEEKS later, they were getting married. They both were honest in saying that don't remember much about school after they met. They both dropped out by the end of the semester to begin their lives together.

Mom turned 19 four days before her wedding day. Oh how times have changed. Seeing the wedding photos, they were little babies in her beautiful but simple dress and his long hair and suit that didn't quite fit his slim physique.

They lived the newlywed bliss and they worked hard. And they started our family 13 months later. By the end of 1978, little Rouge came along to make it a family of four. Shortly thereafter, the doctors told Mom that she couldn't have any more children. She was 24 years old.

Mom and Dad made sacrifices. Dad went into the oilfield and was gone.....a lot. Mom took care of the house and kids with the energy that only youth can provide.

They struggled and fought like many couples do that barely knew each other when they married. :) For two kids that dropped out, they raised a daughter and a son that both went on to do pretty well for themselves because my parents emphasized both book smarts (Dad) and street smarts (Mom).

Mom and Dad got into a good rhythm, raised a family, and Dad worked his way up in his career. He was home more. Kids moved out, and my parents thrived as empty nesters. Work moved Mom and Dad to Texas. While the change was tough (they made a life in South Louisiana together for 30 years) my parents could take on anything together.

Fifteen years ago this May, everything changed. Dad went on a motorcycle trip with his brother and other family members. Dad didn't come home. My parents had survived all the challenges together and came through stronger on the other side before tragedy struck.

Mom has NEVER been the same. Dad was her person. She will cry a lot today because, while she turned 71 years 4 days ago, she still closes her eyes and sees that boy with the long hair and the bad suit that led them to make the craziest choices of their lives.

And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for showing me what true love looks like.