Happy Anniversary to Mama and Daddy...

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mama and Daddy. They were young and so in love. Mama was 16 and Daddy was 19 when they eloped. They were married in Charleston, Missouri. After spending the night in a Charleston hotel,  the next morning at breakfast a young man, who waited on them, brought Mama a flower and gave it to her. He told her the "flower was almost as pretty as she was."  Daddy got mad and nearly punched  the young man. I loved hearing that story. Years later when Mama told the story, Daddy still got mad...priceless.

I cannot imagine being married at the age of 16. Daddy was helping his father, Papa John, farm so they moved in with Mama Pearl and Papa John as newlyweds. I also  cannot imagine living with family on your honeymoon. It was customary to do this years ago. I don't care how 'customary' it was...I still say it could not have been easy...and it wasn't.

Mama had never lived in the country. Once she got there she wasn't all that crazy about it. They did not have electricity and still used an outhouse.  She couldn't wait to go to town for the weekend. That meant they stayed with Mamamae and Granddaddy. Privacy was still scarce but they could go to the movies and visit friends. Mama quit high school when they got married. She needed to reconnect with her friends and be 16 for a little while longer.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daddy enlisted in the Army. They had been married a little over a year. In the above photo, Daddy was in on leave before being sent overseas.

When Daddy finally left for the service Mama moved back to Clinton, living with Mamamae and Granddaddy. She worked at the Dime Store for Mr. Peggy Young (I think).  

Mamamae and Granddaddy's  home was located beside the Post Office. When Mama received a letter from Daddy, Mr. Ben Hales would bring the letter to her as soon as it came in.

Mama saved her allotment check and the money she made working. When Daddy came home from the service,  four years later, she had enough money for them to buy all new furniture, rugs and everything they needed to start housekeeping.  Daddy began farming for Ray Spicer. Mr. Spicer had a home on the farm and Mama and Daddy moved into it. Mama still didn't like living in the country but she was happy they weren't living with anyone else.

Mama and Daddy's anniversary falls on Thanksgiving  this year. They have both been gone for awhile. Remembering this part of their story always makes me feel good.  There is a lot to be said for young love.  Every couple has a story to tell. Mama and Daddy's story took many twists and turns. Not everything that happened to them was good or fun or necessary.  It never is with any couple's story. Below is another favorite photo of Mama and Daddy. They are old and have reached the final chapters of their story. Mama has Alzheimers and Daddy is there for her 100%...that is all anyone can ask for in this life.