On Groundhog day in 1935, while most people were worried about whether or not Punxsutawney Phil was going to come out of his hole and see his shadow, my grandparents could have cared less. All they were worried about was getting to Marshall, Texas and getting married before they got caught.
I’ve posted about this story before which you can read here. I just can’t help but think of them on this day. Today, they would have been married for 78 years if they were both still living.
This is my grandparents, Bill and Mary Parks.
Bill and Mary Parks
Bill, or Daddy-O as I called him, passed away when I was seven years old, in 1978 so I don’t have many memories of him. I do remember him though, and I know how much my grandmother loved him because she mourned him until she died in 2007. That is a long time to live without the love of your life.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures of them together.
Bill and Mary Parks, my grandfather was in the Army in WWII.
Bill and Mary Parks, I love this picture they look so handsome.
Bill and Mary Parks, going for a ride and they look so happy about it.
Bill and Mary Parks, still in love and happy many years later.
So, today as they celebrate together in heaven, I celebrate them here. They eloped after knowing each other for two weeks and their love endured a life time. I admire them so much for that.
By the way, Punxsutawney Phil brought them six more weeks of winter in 1935 when they married, and today he says spring is coming so I am really celebrating now!
Happy Groundhog Day!
