tuckaway hearts

LONGEVITY and LOVE

This photo was taken 60 years ago.

In 1951 this happy couple married in a prairie wedding and my dad, on the far left was a best man for his cousin.

These two men, whose grandfathers homesteaded the land and whose fathers worked it until they inherited it, were neighbors for 65+ years.

I grew up on that farm and had the best childhood anyone could ask for ... we rode our bikes back and forth on dirt roads and we all went to school together and played ball together and learned to drive at the same time and graduated and moved on.

Last Saturday the wedding party gathered to celebrate that day ... 60 years ago.

(My dad is on the far right in this photo). 

Two of the bridesmaids weren't able to attend because they were 'travelling' but, everyone else made the effort to be together for this momentous occasion. 

Most are in their 80's and are as young at heart as they were 60 years ago... as I sat and observed their families and friends I realized that I was witnessing history.

Now I am the age that these people were 30 years ago when I was in my 20's and thought of them as "old" :)  I marvel at how healthy (physically and mentally) they all are.  A true testament to the fact that hard work, wholesome food and an honest living does offer longevity.

It is our responsibility to carry on this tradition to the best of our ability in this world of 

preservatives and technology.  Sometimes the 'old ways' are still the 'best ways'.

I am proud to be a part of this lineage of ancestors.