Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad - 55 Years of "Wedded Bliss"?

I asked my dear Mother, to write her feelings about her special day November 25th, 2014, her 55th Wedding Anniversary with my Father.  Life has not been perfect.  They've had lots of ups-and-downs.  But, their faith in God has helped them endure the trials and appreciate the blessings.  

Mom and Dad on 50th Anniversary

What Mom won't tell you is that she's had diabetes for over 45 years and, the results of that over the past 10 years have been several back surgeries, nearly constant 'neuropathy' pains and...the inability to walk very far.  She hurts most of the time, sometimes severely, but is patient, understanding, kind, and loves all people.  Though she's told me that she feels badly that she can't do as much as she used to (who of us can?) I remind her of all the good she continues to do.  She writes birthday, sympathy, and welcome cards for the local Home Owner's association, keeps up with all the doings of her grandchildren on Facebook, teaches Sunday School to adults in our church congregation, and continues to write in her online journal everyday. (She has kept volumes of journals with details that could fill a small library.)  Whenever any of us need a historical date, good article, or clipping for something, we call Mom.  She's a walking encyclopedia of sorts. 

LDS Home "Environment" - Elder McConkie

I read this yesterday and it touched me deeply.  I had read it a few years previously and it moved me back then, too.  But, this time, it meant even more as I'm at the stage of life where I'm truly recognizing the truthfulness of keeping or not keeping these types of values in our homes.  As I see the ramifications of not heeding Prophetic counsel in all areas of our lives and -- because of meeting and mingling with some of the youth that my children deal with - I am even more aware of the reasons that the Lord has given us such counsel.  I share it by way of personal testimony as well as in hopes that others' will be blessed by this powerful insight and .....prophetic warning.

"Environment"

"Two obligations face the saints where the matter of environment is concerned:  1.  To create for themselves and their families the most wholesome and edifying environment possible, so there will be less chance of any member of the family circle being lost through transgression; and 2. To rise above every unwholesome environmental situation that may be encountered during the course of this mortal probation.

"When the spirit offspring of God pass from pre-existence to mortality, they bring with them the talents, capacities, and abilities acquired during a long existence and experience in their first estate.  At the time of mortal birth all children are innocent and pure.  Then as they begin to become accountable, they are swayed by the "tradition of their fathers."  (D&C 93:38-39)  Their lives and destinies are shaped and altered by their environment -- the circumstances, external surroundings, and influences in which they find themselves.  The command to bring up children in light and truth includes a requirement to create for them a wholesome environment.