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Happy Anniversary

Twenty-five years ago today, my parents stood before God and 400 of their closest family and friends, pledging their love for and commitment to each other always and forever. I am beyond blessed to have these two as my parents. As society has changed and become much more self-centered, my parents have continued to focus on their marriage, their family, and their God. They care for each other immensely and are such a testament to God's design for marriage. They take the vows they made August 15 seriously, no matter what.

My parents' example of love is amazing in and of itself. But they have had an awful lot of challenges in the past twenty-five years--the biggest burden of which is my CF. Most people don't realize what a strain a chronically ill child is on a family, and even more so on a marriage. Many people with this extra issue end up with a broken marriage due to the excessive stress caused by the illness. Being the parent of a chronically ill child is draining-financially, emotionally, and spiritually. You don't know how you're going to live from paycheck to paycheck with all the medical expenses. You are exhausted beyond belief from trying to stay strong and provide emotional support for the family. You start asking God why or even trying to solve the crisis on your own. Yes, dealing with a chronic illness can certainly break a marriage. Yet my parents refused to give CF that satisfaction. They rely on the Lord to get them through the challenges and trust in each other for life.

I am so grateful for my parents' twenty-five years of wonderful marriage. Yes, there have been challenges. There have been fights and disputes. They are both imperfect people. But God united them as one, creating a cord of three strands that will withstand it all. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! I love you both so much. Here's to the rest of y'all's life together!

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