Richard and Liz--49 Years Strong!
Today, my mom and dad celebrate 49 years of wedded bliss. Some couples are cute together. Others complete one another. But rarely do you have the privilege of seeing two people who seem so perfectly well-suited for one another than Richard and Liz Porter, my parents.
They met while my dad served in the U.S. Navy. The ship he served on stopped in Jacksonville, Florida, and each sailor received an invitation for Sunday dinner with one of the families at Avondale Baptist Church.
I’m sure Ellis and Alma Bentley, my maternal grandparents, had no idea that the hulking sailor (and former offensive lineman for SMU) they invited home for fried chicken (what else?!) would soon be their son-in-law.
My parents know what it takes to make a marriage last—sacrifice, humility, unselfishness, care, and unconditional love. They, along with my in-laws, Ron and Carolyn Wilson (who’ve been married nearly 53 years), instilled those values in Bret and me, and we’re grateful for their tutelage. They epitomize the love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, familiar words so often recited in wedding ceremonies.
They’ll get to celebrate this milestone with lots of family around. Being married so close to Christmas usually guarantees that! But they don’t mind. They’re happy to share. That’s one of their secrets to a successful marriage.
So, Mom and Dad, thanks for being that wonderful example. Thanks for instilling values in us—like faithfulness, caring, trust. And thanks for continuing to treat each other with love and respect.
Happy 49th Anniversary!
I love your folks!
Congratulation, Richard and Liz.
49 years is getting very close to the “Magic Milestone” Golden Anniversary. Hope you celebrate with some very memorable activity. Joyce and I celebrated our 50th in 2008 with a 3-week Greek Islands cruise that began in Venice, Italy, with a gondola champagne tour of Venice’s Grand Canal.
Richard and Liz, Joyce and I wish you both all the happiness that life can provide and look forward to hearing about you both celebrating your 50th and 60th and 75th anniversaries. You guys are a “Terrific Couple” and a great example of what a “Happy Marriage” should be.
Your OHS Friends, Joyce and Ralph Posey, San Diego, CA.
I can testify they are a terrific couple!
How many times I’ve been object of their kindness and hospitality.
May the Lord bless you in a wonderful way.
Congrats!
Thanks Dario!
Richard and Joyce,
Congratulations on your 49th Anniversary. You are a special couple and a wonderful example for many.
Phil and I will celebrate our 52nd. in January.and we hope to see all of us celebrate the 60, and 70 as Ralph said. May you continue to enjoy life and the love of your life for many years to come.
Enjoy your day to the fullest. God bless.
Phil and Rosemary Graves
Rochelle, Tex.
congratulations you are two of my favorite people . continue in love and good health. best wishes carlton and jane
Ok………marriage made it 52 years, but brain didn’t
OOPS sorry Liz Should have said Richard and Liz and that I agree with Ralph and Joyce. Am I forgiven my “Senior Moment” ?
Rosemary
Rosemary,
Who hasn’t had senior moments? I count them by tens now!
Thanks for chiming in on congratulating my parents.
Leslie
Thanks for offering additional congratulations, folks! I love hearing your testimonials of long, happy marriages. I hope to follow in your footsteps someday.
Leslie
They are the best folks in the world. You are the best daughter in the world. Love and Merry Christmas to you all.
Happy & Linda,
Thanks for incredible compliments. I know my parents place a high value on your friendship. I hope your Christmas is filled with blessings!
Leslie
After spending a few weeks with the lovely couple back in Oct/Nov., we too know what a wonderful couple they are. Richard and Liz – May you have many more wonderful happy years together. We’ll try catching up to you. Luv and Hugs and Friends Forever, George and Toni Humes
Congrats, to two very special people. Y’all have been an influence in so many lives for many reasons.
Love, Bishop & Jackie Mae
Congratulations on 49 years. Best wishes to both of you.
Proverbs 31: 28
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many memories back in Jacksonville at Avondale Baptist Church, our houses on the St John ‘s River, Lee High School etc.
Faith, Love and Hope….Congratulations
John L. Layton
Jacksonville, FLorida
Richard,and Liz, what an wonderful example you are to others. although I have never met you in person, I have been blessed by having you in my life. Richard, I will always appreciate the time you have spent helping me to know and understand Ronnie. Thanks for the things you have sent and for caring about my family. May you and Liz spend many more happy years together!
Congrats on your 49 anniversary & thanks for the wonderful memories our families had @ ABC.
Shirley Roberts Snedeker Cumming, GA
Congrats!
Congratulations!