day 288: 50 years and counting

She was married and widowed at 23.  He was married and divorced (green card grabber) at 30.  Together they led and played the music for Sunday School at church, and would then find themselves talking more and more about their situations, knowing they were each resigned to living single lives.  "Used goods" and all.

Eventually their story turned out to be a great love story full of hope, new beginnings and strong loyalty.  Like the way they petitioned and petitioned the church, after they had been married for 18 years, to have her first temple marriage cancelled due to her husband's early and untimely death.  For a year this went on, until finally the permission came, and this 52 year-old husband and his 46 year-old bride had their special day in the temple, in white, across the altar, where their marriage was sealed forever.  Their children were 16, 14, and 11 at the time, and remember it well.  A nice dinner after with close friends and family, including a wedding cake and celebration.

Tonight we gathered for the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary (the first one- they celebrate their temple sealing alone, as seems right).  These people are my in-laws, and my husband was that 14 year-old who watched his parents commit eternally to each other in 1978.  They are nuts for each other still, and I can't even tell you how many times we catch them kissing and deferring to each other.  Great examples.  Great love.

16 comments

Robin | June 4, 2010 at 12:18 AM

They are adorable together. And they have such a great story.

See, now that's a romance!

Candy Eash | June 4, 2010 at 12:42 AM

I love them too! I remember when Rulon came to Gideon's class to discuss his memoir, specifically that section dealing with his first marriage and the epic journey to his sealing. It was very moving! Still gives me hope. :)

Jenny P. | June 4, 2010 at 6:13 AM

What a sweet story! Honestly, I've often wondered what would happen in such a situation - when a marriage ends so prematurely. It's certainly a complex circumstance. I love examples of enduring love.

LisAway | June 4, 2010 at 6:18 AM

That's an awesome little family history! Great example!

Momza | June 4, 2010 at 7:19 AM

Okay it's not even 7:30 in the morning and my eyes have teared up.
You need a disclaimer on your blog for these kind of sweeter than sweet moments. lol
So happy for your family. Your Forever Family. Dontcha just love that part? forever doesn't sound long enough when you're with the right person.

Serene is my name, not my life! | June 4, 2010 at 9:03 AM

Oh, I love this story! Love, love it!

Valerie | June 4, 2010 at 10:23 AM

What a beautiful story. Happy Anniversary to them.

Marianne | June 4, 2010 at 11:05 AM

That is such a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!!

Charlotte | June 4, 2010 at 1:50 PM

Sweet story. Happy 50th!

Kimberly Vanderhorst | June 4, 2010 at 2:58 PM

What a fabulous story...makes me smile and think on how sometimes rewards are sweeter for having been delayed for a time.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | June 4, 2010 at 3:16 PM

That is such a sweet story! I love love stories!!!!
You should have posted a picture.

bernthis | June 4, 2010 at 3:31 PM

my parents have been married for 53 years and they are as in love as they were 53 years ago.

Jenny | June 5, 2010 at 10:35 AM

Sweet love story! This is the kind of love many crave and dream of having. So great that there are good examples to fallow.

Linde | June 5, 2010 at 1:57 PM

What a great story! So good to hear things like that. My parents will celbrate 50 years next year. It is amamzing to me!

I love good romance. :)

Luann | June 6, 2010 at 10:45 AM

I've always thought their story is one of the most romantic ever. Yes, great examples. Congrats on your 50 years, Bro and Sister Burton!

Heidi | June 9, 2010 at 3:05 PM

What an incedibly difficult situation to be in! I once knew a gal whose husband died when she was pregnant with her first child and last I heard she was STILL sealed to him--while her second husband and five kids are left kind of, well, hanging, for lack of a better word. I'm so glad that things worked out better for your in-laws!