Betty and Tom Richter celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on October 23, 2008. Unlike their 50th anniversary where we surprised them with a limo ride to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner at Jimmy Walkers, an anniversary cake, flowers, a scrapbook full of memories, and many cards from family and friends that were sent secretly in advance of the occassion, this day probably seemed like any other Thursday without any fanfare or special family gathering. So even though this is after the fact, I do want to ackowledge their long standing committment to one another.As many of you know, time has a way of changing your perspective on things and life in general. Growing up you never realize just how many sacrifices they must have made to ensure that my sister, Brenda, and I had everything we needed. From the basics of food, shelter, and clothing to years of school supplies, braces for Brenda, glasses and contacts for me, summer camp and art lessons for both of us not to mention keeping us in pantyhose and the list goes on and on.
We were raised in a Christian atmosphere with parents who were actively involved with our church youth group. I think my greatest memories are of Daddy driving the bus to the Monday night youth devotionals and him being the cook at many sessions of summer camp at Mohawk where Mom served as a counselor. They allowed us to host many parties in our house as well as drove us to other places including to wrap houses at locations that will remain confidential. Although I'm sure there were times we didn't like our parents, they really were fun and more accommodating to our wild notions than most of our friend's parents.
Now that my sister and I have grown up, and are parents (and grandparents) ourselves, we want to say thank you for everything they have done and are continuing to do to show their love for us. Although we can never repay them for all their sacrifices, we hope to "pay it forward" and be there for them now in their golden years. Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary! We love you.
(Photo taken at the Kemah Boardwalk, October, 2004)
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3 comments:
Congratulations Tom and Betty! I too remember many happy trips on Monday nights in the big yellow bus! What fun memories.
Karen Gibson
yea, hurray, Whoo-hoo! Congratulations on those 54 years! AMEN! to all that Debbie stated. Wonderful memories of Camp Mohawk and visits from Santa Claus!
Congratulations and best wishes. That's a long time for a couple these days, but very special. Love, Pat Burke
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