It was my privilege to help my mother and father celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. It was a joyous and casual occasion, burgers and hot dogs on the grill out in the backyard of their house. Photo albums, cards and gifts filled their home along with four generations of family. As a special gift, my aunt gave my parents a plaque containing photographs of their life together.

After talking with my father this morning, I realized how Mom and Dad were life-long companions. They raised six kids and were active grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Now that my mother has moved on to the next life, my father continues to live alone. It is only natural that he misses his wife, his best friend, his companion.

My heart is broken thinking about my father although he stays active and does the best he can. Family and friends continue to visit sharing meals together, but it is not the same without his wife. My mother gave my father the gift of companionship.