It Was 50 Years Ago Today

They said, “I do.”

And they’re the reason I’m here, sure, but they’re also the reason I like to think I’m polite and respectful and curious and, on occasion, a little funny. They’re also the reason I have two siblings – older siblings … much older siblings – whose reputations and good deeds I’ve tried to emulate and honor.

A lot of people don’t stay together these days. In fact, in our little world, we know that 8.5 out 10 marriages of parents of children with autism end in divorce.

Wow. That’s a shocking and sad number. Dee and I know we’re in it for the long haul. Hers celebrate 40 this year. Mine celebrate 50 today.

We have some amazingly good role models. It all started 50 years ago today.

Thanks, Ma and Pa, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and Rich and Janet. You’ve had many names over the years. They all translate into roughly the same thing: “Love and Commitment.”