32 Years?!

Thirty two years these crazy kids have been married, THIRTY TWO YEARS?! It always sounds like something to be proud of, “Look at my parents, they’ve been married for so long,” and I am proud. But then there are moments like this, moments when I see a picture of them having fun on the dance floor, or when my mom laughs at one of my dad’s jokes, which trust me, sometimes (and I love you pops) just aren’t that funny, or when my mom says something super sassy (which always makes us laugh) and it completely catches my dad off guard, and then he just looks at her in complete awe; in those moments, the word “proud” never seems to cover it. It’s these moments when the weight of thirty two years actually hits me, think about it: thirty two years of stressing whether or not you’ll be able to pay all of your bills this month, thirty two years of sometimes going without so your children could have it all. Thirty two years of heartbreaking moments, scary doctors appointments, and having to put your heads together to reach a solution because giving up is not an option. Thirty two years of overcoming every obstacle in your way, because you know the good will always out way the bad. Everyone loves “The Figs,” I know that, and it’s not because our family is perfect, there is no such thing, it’s because we choose to find a way to laugh through the imperfect moments, and sometimes cry. We choose to stay in on a Friday night and play games and go dancing the next because life is crazy, and it can end in the blink of an eye, so why wouldn’t we try to make the most of it and spend as much of it together? So yes, I am proud that my parents have been married for so long, but in these moments I am grateful, grateful that they still hit the dance floor with the energy of teenagers with eyes only for each other, grateful that these wonderful people are MY parents (no, I’m not forgetting about you niko), grateful that after everything they’ve been through, they find the time to laugh together, and yes sometimes AT each other. In these moments I’m grateful that they not only found each other, but that they choose day after day to stand by each other, even when life has sometimes made it difficult to do so. My brother and I wouldn’t be the people we are if it weren’t for them, and they are a beautiful and constant reminder that life can be so much better, with the right dance partner by your side.