I looked for some statistics on Golden wedding anniversaries, but did not have much success. With regard to Tara and my parents, however, it is now 100%! Tara’s parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 3 years ago and today my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary. Billy Wayne Riley (born Lucius Wayne Riley) married Clara Mae Sharp (now Caral Mae Riley) on March 22, 1958.
Shortly thereafter they left for Heidelberg, Germany, as Dad was a military man.
The thing I want to say most of all with regard to their accomplishment is this: THANK YOU!!! I am so glad you stuck it out, through the good years, the bad years, the okay years, the hard years, the sick years, the brokenhearted years, all of the years. I am blessed to have two parents who loved each other enough, loved me enough, and loved themselves enough to stay together even when there were days and years that made it seem like it would be better to break apart than to stay together.
Mom and Dad, I love you. You have done well. I praise God that He blessed me with you as my parents.
