Tom and Jamie - 32 years

There's something to be said for a 32nd Wedding Anniversary in today's culture.  It's sad but true.  If you want to talk about role models, then here are two of the best.  Our family has been through a lot.  I can tell you that moving is one of the most stressful times, yet these two made it though 10 moves now (including international).  This last weekend Sarah and I helped them on move #10, and even though Dad suffered from a broken rib, there was not one single argument.  That, my friends, is what relationships are all about.  I said in a post this time last year that one of my favorite sayings from my Dad was "You should always buy your wife flowers once a month.  And if you can't afford it, you should buy them twice a month".  I love this piece of advice, but what I love even more is that he didn't just say it.  Growing up I can honestly say that I don't remember a single time when there weren't flowers on the kitchen counter from my Dad.  Many of you know my Dad so you can imagine that they weren't always the prettiest, or lively flowers, but that's not what matters.  I created the collage you see above last year (of course I edited 31st to 32nd for this year).  Here is probably the most meaningful comment that a friend posted about this picture:

Thank you Miss PJ for reminding me of this.  Many of the Hampton Cover's can recall what she is talking about.  Dad was always that obnoxious guy on the diving board at the pool that would scream out "Jamie Lynn, I Love You!".  Or I can remember the time he did a bungee jump in New Zealand and the last words out of his mouth before he jumped were "Jamie Lynn, I Love You!"  Thank you Dad for the many things that you taught me and showing me what a true spark in a relationship, even after 32 years, is.

Many of you also know that my Dad's nickname should really be "Tom, the Tool Man Schuster".  Dad is the epitome of Tim Taylor from Home Improvements.  Yet, Mom has been behind him every step of the way.  We all do stupid things.  I remember the time that Dad was helping me on a DJ gig back in the day.  Long before I could even drive.  He was backing up to my 16' trailer and barely tapped the hitch with the car.  Well, that was enough to send the trailer down the incline at the end of our driveway.  Mom was working in the backyard all day, completely redoing a shrub bed.  New flowers, new shrubs, a new stone bird bath, new edging, the works.  Well guess what ... that trailer went straight through all her hard work and destroyed it.  I today's self-centered culture this act is grounds for divorce.  Nope, not my parents.  My Mom just laughed and said "typical Dad".  Thank you Mom for showing me patience, understanding, and the importance of always being a team even through tough times.

Congratulations to you both on 32 years.  Thank you for all you have done.  Thank you for all you have show me.  And thank you for being true role models!