a day to celebrate

Today is Father's Day. A special day when the world (or at least the United States) pauses to celebrate our Dad's. We honor them for the significant role that they played and continue to play in our lives. We pay tribute to them for their continuous and tireless care that they have exhibited over the course of many years. We thank them for being there for us when we need them, for guiding us, for teaching us, for raising us, for putting up with us, for supporting us, and most importantly for loving us.  

I love my dad and am so incredibly proud of him. Several months ago I watched as he was honored by hundreds of colleagues upon retiring after 35 years with the same company. It was amazing to see and hear the ways that he impacted those around him from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (more like 6:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m.). It helped me realize, again, just how much of an impact he has made on me and how fortunate I am to call him dad. I am sure that he would say that he wasn't the perfect dad (Is there such a thing?) and that he just tried to do the best he could. At that, I think he succeeded.

To put his impact on me in perspective, here's a bit of authenticity...My greatest fear is not being a dad. Because of him, I have a deep longing to have, raise, nurture, and love children of my own. Taking what I learned from him, I'm sure I'll be pretty good at it too! Okay...enough about me.

As much as I want this post to honor my dad, there is something much more significant to recognize today. In addition to Father's Day, this is also the 40th Anniversary of my parents' wedding. That's right, on Saturday, June 20, 1970, my parents got married at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in southeast Portland.

In the 40 years since, their love has continued to grow. Their marriage has been an amazing testimony to their love for each other and the faithfulness of the Lord. They have had many incredible adventures together and share wonderful memories of their time together. They have also been through some extremely difficult times. And yet, in those moments of anguish, pain, and uncertainty, their love and faith brought them through circumstances that could have easily torn them apart, further strengthening their love for each other and faith in God.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! I am so proud to be your son. I love you both so much and am so thankful for your example of a loving marriage. I hope that someday I will have a love like yours, one that grows each day and is better 40 years later than it was on day 1.

And speaking of day 1, let's take a look back...

Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Larson (no "Sr." yet)...

The Toast...

Leaving the church...don't they look good?

And they're off in the fully decorated Volkswagen Beetle!