“Near You For 74 Years”
February 9, 2022
On Sunday, February 8, 1948, after an eight month courtship, my parents tied the knot. It must have been a strong knot because here we are in 2022 celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary!
Surrounded by friends and family, they married at St. Mary’s Church in Philadelphia, PA, and celebrated with roast beef sandwiches at the reception. Their special dance was to the song, “Near You”, and 74 years later, they may not be dancing, but they are still living and singing the song!
”Near You” sung by Andy Williams
There’s just one place for me
Near you
It’s like heaven to be
Near you
Times when we’re apart
And I can’t face my heart
Say you’ll never stay
More than just two lips away
If my hours could be spent
Near you
I’d be more than content
Near you
Make my life worthwhile
By telling me that I’ll
Spend the rest of my days
Near you
Near you
Near you
Make my life worthwhile
By telling me that I’ll
Spend the rest of my days
Near you
Spend the rest of my days
Near you
(Source: LyricFind, Songwriters: Francis Craig / Kermit Goell, Near You lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc)
Each anniversary I ask my parents what the secret is to their long marriage. On their 73rd anniversary, my Dad said, “It’s the Lord’s doing.” This year he said, “It’s your Mother’s doing.” How about we go with both the Lord and my Mom?
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118: 23-24
Happy 74th Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Your love for each other has spilled over to all of your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loved ones, and it is marvelous in our eyes!