This post is probably the most personal one that I have written. As you get older it seems that  just about the  only time that you get together with extended family  is for sad occasions, mostly funerals. This past Saturday night we had a chance to celebrate a joyous event my parent’s, 50th Anniversary. I can’t believe that they have been married 50 years. As I have said in earlier posts I think my parents are my biggest fans and supporters. They were always there for any childhood events that my sister Tracy and I were involved with. It didn’t stop there either. They have never slowed down following my three children and Tracy’s two children throughout school and all of the activities. Even though our kids have graduated my parents are still at almost every Ashland game cheering on their extended family of “grandkids”. They now have two Great Grandchildren and continue to be very much a part of their lives. Austin and Chase love the opportunity to spend the weekend at Grammy and Pooh’s house.
When Tracy and I were growing up our house was always the center of activity. Whether it was a game of Monopoly on Sunday afternoon, a game of football or baseball in the yard or just hanging out with friends. We always had a house full. I have reminisced with some of my friends and still laugh and smile about the fun times that we had in Sheridan. It wasn’t just kids who hung out at the house, on weekends many snowmobile rides began and ended at the Cloukey house.  The door was always open and the more the merrier always seemed to be the motto. Some of my favorite times after  I grew up were the fish fries and spaghetti feeds that my parents would host. Once again the more the merrier and it would all wrap up with a game of football or in the winter snow football. Everyone who ever attended either of the annual events would always say see you next year. Mom and Dad also “adopted” many of our new Reporters. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were always feasts and once again the motto was “the more the merrier”. Even now with Tracy and my  extended families there is a house full on almost every occasion.
Mom and Dad are still very active and continue to be involved in the lives of many people. I think that the number of people who attended the party on Saturday night are a show of the love and respect that my parents have earned.
Happy Anniversary and I can’t wait for the party on your 60th. Love you both.