happily ever... 60 years and counting

Today is my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. This is a picture of both of them, taken about 10 years ago.

They started dating when they were back in the Netherlands. My grandma's family decided to immigrate to the States, and my grandpa decided he didn't want to be left behind! They all immigrated in 1947... not coming over by boat through Ellis Island but by airplane, eventually landing in Grand Rapids where their sponsors were. They got married January 7, 1949 and lived in Wyoming for most of their lives.

They have 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. They now live in an apartment at Sunset Manor, in a retirement community & still function mostly independently.

They have lived through a lot.

World War II ravaging their beloved homeland. Immigrating to a brand new country, without a hint of knowing the language and only $10 in grandpa's pocket. Raising 2 children. The civil rights movement. Seeing great-grandchildren being born. Illness & death of friends and family. Yet they press on, fighting against their age with grace and strong faith in God.

I love them dearly!

Happy Anniversary Grandpa & Grandma!