50 Years Ago Today

My mom grew up attending a Methodist church.  

Imagine her giddiness when as a young lady she learned that a new minister had been assigned to the church and he had FIVE sons.  What single girl wouldn't be excited about something like that?  (She has since said they forgot to announce the oldest was married, my  dad had a girlfriend elsewhere and the youngest two were just kids... I guess that would have ruined the excitement.)  Anyhoo, my mom was attending Ferris Institute as an English major.  My dad, who coincidentally was working at her dad's gas station, needed some help with his English class so she began to tutor him.  They started dating and a year and a half later were picking out an engagement ring.  

January 27, 1963, Douglas Randolph and Bonnie Hall made it official.  He was working as a student minister at the time and they didn't want their parishioners knowing they had made it home, so they went from the reception to Grand Rapids to take in a movie.  (January.  Michigan.  Snow tracks, you know...)  Then they headed home to Middleton, MI.  (Do you remember what movie you saw??)

Here is a nice picture of said Randolph clan with the five sons.  (This picture is very valuable.  WHY?  Because it might be the ONLY picture in existence in which everyone with the last name Randolph is smiling.  Take my word - this just doesn't happen...)  My grandpa performed the ceremony.  

 One year later, December 21, 1964, baby made three.  Enter Scott Alan. 

Five years later, October 18, 1969, they welcomed Joel Richard.

Five years later, April 24, 1975, they completed their family with Stephanie Lynn.

Over the years they lived in Middleton, Big Rapids, Pontiac, Ludington, Midland, Jackson, Blair, NE, Oceanside, CA, Independence, KS, and Baton Rouge, LA.  The two words that best define the family, I think, could be music and travel.  My dad sang in the "quire" as a child and passed that trait on to the rest of us.  Not many concerts go by in the Jackson area that my parents do not attend.  Travel has been a HUGE part of their lives and they have easily logged a billion miles in the car. They've traveled most of the country as well as Australia and Spain.  Hawaii remains the favorite though, I'd bet.  (Second to Overland Park, probably...)

 This past weekend, they had a couple of celebrations with family and friends.  They were even able to revisit the church where it all began.  

 So proud to be celebrating this milestone with my parents.  I was sad that I was not in Michigan to actually celebrate with them in person.  (My dad tried to warn me about things like that when I moved away, but I just didn't get it.)  But, we are looking forward to getting our chance to celebrate in March.  

 Congratulations, Mom and Dad!