“Honey, now we have a skunk.”
Those were the last words I heard my dad say to my mother as I crawled into the guest room bed at my parent’s house last night. There was a touch of glee in his voice. On the other hand, I was horrified and had to check it out. I got out of bed to go see the latest occupant of my parents’ ever-growing, ever-changing outdoor menagerie. By the time I got there, the skunk had gone behind the garden shed, according to my dad. I breathed a sigh of relief and went back to bed.
Mother and Daddy, who are celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary today, live in the country.
They live on two acres of land with wonderful views. Daddy, who is 92, does the mowing on a riding mower, and Mother, age 88, tends to the flowers.
She is just itching to get her hands on the weed-eater, but we keep saying no. That might not stop her, though.
This is not where I grew up. They moved to this house in a little hamlet about 12 years ago to be closer to my brother and his family. He retired to a 30 acre farm after living in Baltimore all of his adult life.
Every morning, Daddy fills numerous bird feeders that promptly get emptied by a huge variety of bird species that visit throughout the day. All of the birdhouses offer protection to any who need a rest or a home.The chipmunks, rabbits, deer, and ground hogs also come to nibble on the seeds that drop to the ground, on the grass, and on Mother’s flowers.
When these critters first arrive, she marvels at how cute they are. By the time they have eaten all of her blooms, they aren’t so cute any more.
Daddy is also raising a blind rabbit that he rescued in its infancy last year after Mother by accident struck it with her garden hoe. At first he kept it alive by feeding it evaporated milk with an eye dropper, and now he feeds it huge mounds of food every day to both his and its delight.
My parents truly do come from The Greatest Generation. Daddy was wounded in World War II three times and also served in the Korean War, even though he was married, had a small child, and one on the way. They are from a generation of strong people who weren’t afraid to work and never complained about it. I don’t think we make them like that any more, and that’s a scary thought.
There are two things I know for sure: I wouldn’t be the person I am without the strong foundation they gave me, and that skunk is probably the luckiest skunk alive for showing up on their little piece of God’s land.
Please join me in wishing my parents a Happy Anniversary. And I couldn’t write this post without giving a shout out to my brother who is celebrating his birthday. Thanks so much for stopping in.
Oh, Janette, you are SO lucky to still have your parents! Indeed, Happy Anniversary to them! My parents were of the greatest generation also, and they too were always engaged. I love the story of fostering the rabbit. That alone speaks volumes to the character of your dad. Your mom’s spunkiness is surely a trait you’ve inherited. 😉
Rita
Your parents are amazing…and yes they are part of The Greatest Generation. I know my parents had similar work ethics that stretched well into their retirement – it kept them young. Happy Anniversary to your adorable parents.
Thank you, Cyndi!
Janette,
What an incredible blessing that they still have each other and are able to do the things that they enjoy! Loved this post!
Thank you!!!
They are from a great generation. i agree – they come from an era of simple principled living and working hard. they are adorable and look absolutely amazing!! happy 69th anniversary!
Thanks, Mary. Hope you are doing well.
This post might be my all-time fave! When I read, “Honey, we have a skunk!”, I thought for sure this was going to be the next pet somehow. What a beautiful home (and family!) created by two, truly beautiful people! xo ~ josie
Since you know them, you can picture the whole scenario.
Is this a recent picture of your parents? If so, they look like they are in their 70’s…….maybe 80 tops! Enjoyed reading about them and seeing the pictures of their lovely home. No wonder all the animals want to hang out there!!
You are blessed to still have both your parents and in seemingly good health and self sufficient still. Happy Anniversary to those two lovebirds!!
Carolyn, that is a current photo of my parents that I took last week-end. My mother will be thrilled by your comment about how they don’t look their age (and they don’t).
I think it’s fantastic that your parents live such an active life! Cute pic of them….lovely home and gardens! Please wish them a Happy Anniversary! 😉
How blessed you all are. It is glorious to be “grown” and have children and grand-children but to lay in a bed just one night and hear my parents talking and be smart enough to appreciate it.. now that is special.