Children, not parents, have received greatest of all gifts

The card isn't in the mail; in fact, it's sitting at my desk. I'm going to mail it soon, really. (Mom and Dad, you're going to laugh. It's the kind of card you would expect from me. Besides, if you actually got it on time, the shock would kill you. Admit it.)

Sadly, my sister Julie and I — and the rest of my siblings, by default — had to debate briefly Wednesday morning on just how many years the 'rents have been married. Without giving away my sister's age (she would make me pay as only an older sister can), we figured out the folks were married 48 years ago on June 14 — which is pretty cool when you think about it.

But, regardless of whatever cards or gifts we give them, it is their children and grandchildren who have received the biggest present through the years in the form of their love, wisdom and generosity.

There were camping trips to Mount Adams — known in our growing-up years as "slave labor trips" since we were off in search of huckleberries; and looked upon as a great way to spend time together as a family and play games in the forests.

There was always food on the table, a roof over our heads and an unlimited supply of love and support. Countless slides attest to birthday parties, Christmas holidays and camping trips and other family events (We won't get into how many pictures there are of me alone, without a sibling in sight. Mom and I, as much as I tease you, I do understand why. How many pictures could you take of each kid when there are six of 'em running around like banshees?)

Was life perfect? No, but then real life is messy, complicated and off-beat. Was our childhood about as close to "Ozzie and Harriet" or "The Brady Bunch" as real life can get? I think the folks would get a unanimous vote from all their kids on that one.

Mom and Dad, I know you won't see this until Thursday, a day after your anniversary (and after Dad prints it out), know that I love you and I hope your anniversary was as special as the childhood that you gave to all of us.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Bonner County Daily Bee.