Love And Marriage — Ball Hogs Volleyball

Love and marriage, love and marriage
They go together like a horse and carriage
This I'll tell you brother
You can't have one without the other

-Frank Sinatra, “Love & Marriage” , 1956

As I began to write about my parents’ anniversary, this song came to mind. I was first introduced to this song in the late 1980’s during the intro to the show “Married With Children”. That show was a hilarious look at dysfunctional family dynamics that at the time was radical and now seems to be far more common in today’s families. The parents, Al & Peggy Bundy, had a marriage that balanced between business relationship meets lifelong affection. The children, Bud & Kelly, were competing to showcase who was more aloof and unproductive. It was hilarious, absurd and endearing.

Added to that absurdity was that this was a debut shows on the new “FOX” network along with “The Simpsons” and “In Living Color”. These shows were far too adult for a young child to watch, and yet I had two incredible parents who were cool enough to allow this be part of my upbringing. In hindsight, having these shows as my youthful foundation explain sooooo much.

These are my parents. And I love them. It is with that love that I write to honor their 50 years of marriage.

Mostly everyone reading this is aware of the unique dynamic that exists between my parents and me. Two parents, one adopted child, thirteen acres with two houses as well as dogs, chickens and ducks. Yet there is so much more beyond what is seen or generally understood.

From the very start, and at the foundation of our love, my parents saved my life by adopting me. While I was unaware of it at the time, being 9 months old and brought into a family is incredibly impactful in ways I still absorb and process to this day. When a life changing event like that happens, it forever effects people and the dynamics of those relationships. Yet by being open and honest, you are able to manage those dynamics in a way that is filled with love and respect.

Growing up with my parents provided a unique perspective on family on various levels. My mother’s side of the family was large in numbers. There were many cousins and weekly dinners. It was a unit and group filled with love and appreciation. My fathers side was small in size, large in heart, and a lot of grace along the way. These two examples provided the perfect balance for a well rounded perspective of all that life and love had to offer.

Beyond the family, there are many friends. My parents introduced me to the Ball Hogs and the spirit of their time, and I introduced them to a diverse group of friends across all ages, genders, races and sexual preference. They taught me how to be grateful of everyone despite our differences and to help others. I took that mentality and opened it up to the world. My father taught me the beaty of sarcasm, to be an empathetic soul and most recently how to be handier around the house. My mother taught me to appreciate family history, to get involved in your community and how to be humble in that help you provide others.

Fifty years is LONG time. During those fifty years, a lot can happen. Both within our large world, our communities and our families. To commit to anything consistently for fifty years requires patience, understanding, acceptance and growth. Even if a lot of that is incremental, it is a deep process. Having the opportunity to be around my parents for almost all of that time has been a blessing that I am grateful for every single day. If the past year has taught us anything, it is to love those we cherish deeply and to live in the present. This is why whatever is going on in any given day, each one of us still says “I Love You” when we walk out the door.

I Love You Mom & Dad. Happy 50th Anniversary.

Daniel P. Price

June 2021