A love story

Most love stories start with an attraction and usually lots of sweet anecdotes as the couple falls in love. Sometimes, the story is unconventional. Before they realize the attraction, she might throw something in his face - like a beverage.

But I'm going to start this love story at the best part. The part where the couple "lives happily ever after" which means they live and love each other.

My grandparents have been married 59 years today. There are some very sweet stories about how they met and the early days. For instance, Grandpa still has the receipts to their honeymoon locations.

But as I said, what has always meant the most to me is watching them as they live and love each other.

We often traveled to Michigan to see my aunt and uncle when I was younger and I remember us driving there in the motor home laughing and playing one of our favorite games - euchre.

Once we arrived, and settled down for the night - after more card games - I'll never forget hearing Grandma and Grandpa whispering, and talking in the motor home - almost like a pair of newlyweds. Of course, at this time they'd already been married about 40 years.

And, if they were reading this together, Grandpa would probably say to Grandma: "I bet you were doing all of the talking," as he would grin at her. And, Grandma would probably agree.

See, it's those kinds of daily interactions that show all of us how in love the two of them still are 59 years later.

It's really more about the little things and not necessarily grandiose gestures. She makes his favorite meal, a favorite desert such as minced meat pie. And, he's helped her move countless humming bird feeders in the backyard. Each of them know that these little things make the other person happy and that's why they do them without a complaint.

On more than one occasions, Grandma has commented to me about how cute Grandpa is - particularly in certain shirts or pants.

It's also so touching to see the two of them interact together as it was when our family got together over the holidays and the two of them set together holding hands.

While we were singing songs and the kids were running around - it struck me that this huge family with about 36 people wouldn't be possible without the two of them loving each other.

So, here's wishing a tremendously happy anniversary to Grandma and Grandpa Shidler.

Our couple:




Now, with their children:



See, how the family has expanded. Here are the grandchildren and their spouses.



Now, the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren.