I’m filling in as guest blogger for my mother, Cathy Marie
Hake. Today is my parents’ 33rd
anniversary. My husband and I just
celebrated our first. I ponder my
parents' achievement, and hope Shannan and I will celebrate such a milestone—and
as my thoughts jumble together, I can’t help noticing something. 
Women harbor a peculiar anticipation (and slight anxiety) about
turning into their mothers, and right here I’ll confess it’s already happened.
I celebrate that my mother gave me my deep passion for books, a love for
teaching, and a sense of humor that kicks in at wholly inappropriate times. We
both accept that she also gave me the stubbornness of a pit bull, a sensitive
streak a mile wide, and an oversized love of being right.
I know this. I’ve
known since I was a tiny girl. What I’m
realizing today, as I look to my parent’s marriage for a secret to their
longevity, is something that caught me off guard.
I’ve not only turned (almost!) into my mother… my husband
has a lot in common with my father. They
both:
- Were raised in alcoholic families and are the only ones who worked hard and made something of themselves. (This takes a very special, God-given strength)
- Hate shopping.
- Are hard workers who take pride in excelling in their fields
- Show love through acts of service—going to the store, putting gas in the car, etc.
- Believe the garage is the only place in the house that truly belongs to the man
- Refuse to admit it when they’ve bitten off more than they can chew
- Melt over anything big-eyed and furry
- Love putting together old cars and watching the Military Channel
- Can’t imagine a better breakfast than eggs over-easy on hash browns
- Are just as stubborn as their wives
I could continue, but I’m sure you get the point. And, smart readers that you are, you probably
see where I’m heading with this.
Yes, it’s a little eerie to admit that I’m like my mom, and
Shannan has a lot in common with my dad.
But as my parent’s celebrate a third of a century together, I can’t help thinking it’s
comforting, too. :)
Kelly Eileen Hake
Great post Kelly! Please give my congrats to your parents on the celebration of their anniversary.
ReplyDeleteKelly, How lovely to read that you speak about your parents in such glowing terms. You must be so proud of them. What you say about women fearing they're turning out like their mothers,is so true. I remember feeling the same way (shock ,horror..how uncool to be like one's parents!LOL!) I smile now, as I watch my children bring up our grandchildren, in much the same way as they were raised by us. I'm sure you and your hubby will feel the same way when your children arrive (LOF(Lots of FUN!)
ReplyDeleteOur congrats to you and your husband having passed the first mile(stone).:)
I also would like to congratulate your Mum and Dad for their 33rd.. great achievement. Did you know the traditional/modern 33rd wedding anniversary is Amethyst? Hope your Mum likes jewellery!
Your 1st traditional is Paper and modern is clocks..just what you need to remind you, as your deadlines approach! LOL!
I am so looking forward to meeting your Mum and maybe you might be around too. Just 20 days from now. Guess who's counting! LOL!
I enjoyed your post very much,Kelly!
Cheers from Aus,
Rosie
What a special, sweet post, Kelly--thank you for sharing with us today. And a BIG Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to your precious Mom and Dad (and to you and Shannan celebrating your first!). Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo (a.k.a. PJ)
ReplyDeleteThank you, all! Veronica and Patti Jo, I'll pass along your congratulations but I'm sure Mom will read them herself tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteRosie, I didn't know it was Amethyst, but as you can see from the photos from my wedding, my mom does look spectacular in purple! (And red, and deep green. It's a short leap from jewel tones to jewels, right?!)
My parents are definitely blessings and (although Shannan and I just moved and aren't quite ready yet) are eagerly looking forward to grand babies. Mom already bought a christening gown, if that tells you anything!
In love, Kelly
About that christening gown....
ReplyDeleteI was a Girl Scout. I pledged to always be prepared. And until those beloved grandbabies arrive, I can pray over that gown so there will be blessings woven beside every single thread of fabric.
Thank you all for the anniversary wishes. Chris and I look forward to being around thirty-two years from now when Shannan and Kelly reach their amethyst anniversary. As for their first--I think the paper and clock theme were observed when we disposed of all the paper wrapping from their move and hung a clock their new place.
Instead of amethyst, Chris bought be an antique gold-and-mother-of-pearl walking stick. I'll have to share a pic of it soon!
XOXO
Cathy
Hung a clock? As in, singular? Do you mean the quirky frying pan clock in the kitchen, the wrought iron cross clock in the family room, the hide-a-key book clock, or the oversize ornate scrolly clock in the stairway niche???
ReplyDeleteOh, we've got a clock or two. (Meaning two more I have yet to hang!)
I know you've been looking for the right walking stick for ages. Hope you're having a blast on your anniversary--I love you both :)
Kelly (the clock monster)
ROFLOL! Kelly focused in on the clocks. The real understatement was me mentioning the wrapping material as paper. I said nothing about the paper in her library of ten thousand books. Or her magazines. Or Shannan's professional collection of cookbooks. Or their dog's favorite fetch toys: rolls of Christmas wrapping paper. The one book you won't find in their home: a matchbook!
ReplyDeleteCathy