A Special Day
It’s the year 1961. Exactly fifty years ago to the day. A couple sneaks away from their small central Pennsylvania mining town, stopping only once to pick-up the woman’s older sister in Maryland. They drive through to Washington, D.C.
Once in the city they find what brought them there. A church. The couple marries, with the sister witnessing. Yes, they just eloped. One month later a daughter is born (who I jokingly call the “bastard child”).
This couple? My parents.
Ken's Parent's Wedding Day
Parents as a Role Model
Now, I didn’t enter the picture until the summer of 1964. The only son and the youngest of three children in a span of less than three years.
I grew up in a home surrounded by love, tradition, commitment, stability, responsibility, and unending humor. A place where the immediate family was always first and foremost. Although I didn’t recognize it at the time, my parents were modeling what eventually became my core values.
I jokingly, but also purposefully, have told them “you two deserve it each other”. They always question what I mean by that, but they never disagree. Well, what I mean is they deserve being happy. I love them deeply and I am grateful they snuck away with each other fifty years ago.
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Happy Anniversary Mr & Mrs Diviney #1.
Ken, I can see Ryan in your dad, he has some of his features. Handsome men and lucky women to find such wonderful men!
“…love, tradition, commitment, stability, responsibility, and unending humor…”
You are fortunate to have parents who not only instilled such admirable qualities in you and your siblings, but exemplified these traits themselves everyday.
Hope their anniversary was wonderful.
Ken: A beautiful tribute to your Mother and Dad. Two beautiful people. A beautiful family.
Aunt Doris
What a sweet and loving testamony to your wonderful parents–they must be very proud of you, indeed, Ken, as from fantastic parents came a fantastic “sun” (as in sunshine and joy/ and son. I sometimes refer to my sons, as my “suns”). Yeah, corny, but meant lovingly. Prayers…Ryan, you are in my thoughts and I pray the UTI is responding to treatment now. Also, that the reduction is still going just fine.
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Diviney on your golden anniversary.
Neat story. Congratulations to your parents on their golden wedding anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to your parents! It’s been ages since I’ve seen your mom, but she always looked so beautiful, just like in her wedding picture above. I always remember sitting behind her in church with my Gram. (Hi Marlene!) I saw Diane at PSU last week and she’s just as your beautiful as your mom! SHSP for all of you in PGH…
It’s so wonderful to see a tight-knit, loving family these days. Often times people jump into marriage saying, “ah we can just divorce if it doesn’t work out.” Marriage takes WORK, no matter how much you love each other.
So….It’s with a glad heart that I say Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Diviney! Ken is right, you deserve to be happy! My parents would still be going strong (married 6/23/51) had my sweet momma not passed in August of 2009.
Ken, sounds like your entire FAMILY is made of “the right stuff.”
“Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us….. …..and the greatest is Love.” (Corinthians, and also part of Alan Jackson’s song).
I hope your parents read this blog, at least today’s entry because that’s the best gift you could ever give them. It’s beautiful to see how you honor all of your loved ones in both word and deed. And it’s beautiful how all those values and positive character traits have been passed down from one generation to the next in your family. Ryan’s got them in spades and they continue to be a source of strength for him in his recovery. Happy anniversary to your parents, and praying for many more happy milestones for your family to celebrate in the years to come. (Oh, and thanks for the reminder — my parents’ 51st anniversary is coming up soon.) Hugs and love to all the Divineys!
Ken,
What an absolutely beautiful sentiment both to your parents and your childhood. Fifty years is a lifetime of love, cherished moments and the ability to work through any crisis thrown your way. Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Diviney~
Sue and Ken,
I have seen the love between you firsthand. The respect, teamwork, laughter, sadness and adoration. Your children reflect that both in their courage, strength of positive values, humor and abounding love. Your love is an example of patience, family values and respect, something we all could learn from. Much love to you both, plus my kiddo and Kari and the pooch patrol~
I still remember when we went out in the creek to fish for tadpoles, then we’d always either end up playing football or baseball. Drinkin from the hose by the Diviney house. Mr. and Mrs. Diviney would let us go until we were dead tired, then call us inside. Also remember when we got the hot wheels set with the battery charged cars.
OMG, do you really call your sister that?!! That’s flippin’ hilarious! Happy Golden Anniversary to the elder Divineys! Love (and humor) conquers all!
Please don’t kill him, Sis! You know how little brothers are, and they don’t change as they older!
Ken, what a beautiful tribute to your parents and family. Thank you for letting us into your lives so that we can ride the roller coaster of life together. We see it is true that children live what they learn.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Diviney! You raised a wonderful family!!
Love, prayers, hope, always ….. Paula
Ken, Congratulations to your Mom and Dad, and boy do you look like your Dad. Handsome ,just his son and grandson. Hope you and they have a good day and sending my best to all. You are a terrific writer and hope a book is in the future; about a musical future well???? Give Ryan a hug!! Love Gail
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs Diviney on your Golden Wedding Anniversary! I wish for you a wonderful day of celebration.
Our 52nd will be the 26th of this month. We remember our wedding day like it was yesterday, and I am sure you do also.
Thank you, Ken, for this story. Always here with love.
If I hadn’t seen the caption under the picture I would have thought I was staring at you or Ryan..Hope your parents enjoy this special day!!!
What a beautiful story! Have you ever thought of writing a book? Seriously, you’re a great story teller! Keeping you all in my prayers.