Next month these two lovely people will be celebrating 50 years of marriage. That's a feat in itself in this day and age!
They've been through such a lot together. They've raised 3 children (that would be me then, and my brother & sister) and supported us not just through childhood, but into adulthood too. Allowing us to spread our wings, fly the nest, make our own mistakes, but always there to catch us when fate has clipped our wings.
They've worked hard all their lives. Built a business, lost a business. Built a house, lost a house. But the biggest challenge of all came a little over 5 years ago when mum discovered she had breast cancer. 'That's it!' she said, 'I don't know how long I've got left in this world. So, I'm quitting my job, we are selling the house and we are going to travel'. They only got as far as France, before they bought a property. (Well, everyone needs somewhere to come home to and so much the better if it's mortgage-free). But this left no money for the travel.
Mum had the op, and the experimental treatment, and the annual mammograms (usually on her birthday!) and finally got the all clear, but they still haven't been able to do that trip of a lifetime as intended. So, to celebrate their 50 years of marriage next month, I want to surprise them with a cheque and finally send them on their way!