monday's mulling: 80 years ago

August 11, 1945...my parents-in-law's first day as Mr. and Mrs. 

Dad served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and almost missed his wedding day. The troop train taking him from California back to Ohio had many delays and he arrived in Toledo on August 10. But he made it and he and his love would never be separated for that length of time again

August 20, 2020...75 years (27,394 days) as Mr. and Mrs. 

We planned a 75th anniversary celebration for Mom and Dad but COVID restrictions were in place for nursing homes. No gatherings. We invited friends and family to drive by, honk their horns, wave, and drop off cards for the anniversary couple. It wasn't the celebration we intended but their friends, family, and staff at their care facility put together a party that was one for the books. The staff members turned the other way when Todd and his sister stood behind their parents for this photo. Bah humbug on the social distancing. This was the last anniversary they celebrated together.

Dad died in 2020, a couple months after this celebration. Mom died a couple years later on August 12, 2022, the day after their anniversary. I think Dad was telling his girl that it was time to be together again.