Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

I couldn't let this day go by without telling everyone how proud I am of my parents. They have been married to each other for 34 years today. And it hasn't always been easy, I know. My parents have been excellent examples to me of love and sacrifice. They're not perfect, and they don't claim to be, but they were fantastic parents to my brother and me. They both continue to set great examples for me in so many ways, as professionals, as people, as Christians, as parents, and as spouses. I admire them and love them tremendously.

Today is also the anniversary of the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." How do I know this? My mom is an elementary music teacher at the school where I now send my daughter to Kindergarten. Back when I first graduated with my music ed degree, I went to work with her there. She teaches "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other patriotic songs to her 4th and 5th grade students this time of year because this is when "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written. She makes a big deal about the story of Francis Scott Key being held captive overnight on a British ship September 13-14, 1814, wondering if the stars and stripes would still be flying over Fort McHenry in the morning. It's a very fascinating story, and one most 4th and 5th graders don't know, or most adults, for that matter. Anyway, Mom likes to make a big deal about it being such a special day that she decided to get married that day. Of course the truth is that in 1974, my parents were just looking for a day when they could tie the knot, completely unmindful of the events which had occurred on that day in history 160 years before.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! I thank God for you!