Monday, November 24, 2008

Family -- Life's Greatest Blessing

After being married for 63 years, my grandparents passed away within 4 months of each other. And even though they have been gone for almost three years now, they are still here with me every single day, in everything I do.

My grandpa once told me that the secret to a long lasting marriage was to kiss his wife and tell her that he loves her every single day -- which he always did. They still held hands, snuggled up tight every night in bed, and said those three magic words to each other.

I cannot think about what it means to be a family, without first, thinking of my grandparents. They often told me that their family was their greatest joy, that is was life's greatest blessing, and that it was their family that they were most proud of.

It's so true. The memories that we share with our families join us forever. They link us to our past, ground us in our present, and build a bridge to our future. We would not be the people we are without our family, without our memories, without the love, traditions, and moments that bind us together forever.

Dave and I want to create the same kind of love and family that our grandparents did. We want to see the love and traditions live on. We want to see our family history continue. We want our family tree to branch out, underneath us, for the love and the joy to continue for generations to come. There is a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh that discribes it well. "If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people."

My grandparents knew the value of family and their love story always inspires and amazes me. Please watch my tribute to their 63 years of marriage, that reminds us all that life is short, that life moves on, and that family, truly is, life's greatest blessing.

14 comments:

Not Your Aunt B said...

I loved your post, especially the video. It made me cry (in a good way), so forgive me for not writing more.

Lisa said...

What a beautiful, beautiful tribute to your family and your grandparents. I love the quote you shared. Your love for your family shines through in your video and made me cry. Thank you for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

lisa that was the most moveing tribute to your grandparents. thanks for letting us be part of your journey!! Love Barb McKeag

MRS. ERIN SMITH said...

Thank you for sharing this tribute. I have the same sentiments about my grandparents.

Those were the days...

You know they're looking down on you, Lisa. Smiling. Proud.

Erin :)

Nikki said...

You're right - there is something in the air today! :-)

What a lovely post Lisa - lovely video as well. My grandparents were married about as long as yours were as well, and my grandpa passed away when he was 93. Grandma is alive, but she really misses him. You can see how lost she feels without him.

I can tell how close and loving your family is from your posts, and I love reading your blog. :-)

Linda said...

All I can say is Awwwww! What a beautiful tribute to your grandparents. Your family must be so proud of you. I know I am! :)

DAVs said...

Lisa
Lee sent me the same quote today...you and he must both subscribe to the same Zen newsletter :) Of course we both felt a sense of profound sadness when we read it...we want someone to look into their tiny palm and see the lines and know that we are there, too.

Speaking of lines, I hope you get your TWO LINES!!!

Emily said...

Amazing post! What a sweet tribute to your grandparents. You did a GREAT job with matching photos to lyrics - how much do I love that song?
You can see the love between them and it looks like they lived a full and wonderful life.
I know they are looking down on you each and everyday.
Loved the quote too!
Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

A truly fitting tribute to a gorgeous couple! I love the way your grandma cuddles up to your grandpa in most snaps! A pleasure to watch.

trish said...

Lisa-this is such an amazing story and video! I really love the picture of you and your Grandpa riding bikes down your driveway on South River with Suzy in the basket!

Lost in Space said...

Truly beautiful, Lisa. As I watched the video and saw how their family just grew and grew, I couldn't help but shed some tears. It looks like they had a wonderful life full of so many memories and so much love. You are a true testament to what grace and beauty they passed on. Thanks so much for sharing this.

Retro Girl said...

Lisa, it is so wonderful that you have such strong bonds with your family - your family sounds amazing. It is also great how much you appreciate them...so many people have great families that they just take for granted.

Anonymous said...

Oh my... just lovely. I think you could tell in every photo just how much they loved -- and enjoyed -- each other.

The photo with the big red shoes is priceless.

Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Such a moving and heartfelt tribute Lisa! It brought tears to my eyes. I am hoping you get your BFP all the way to a beautiful baby.