FIFTY-SIX years ago today, March 16, 1952 Vincent and Joan were married in a celebration in The Bronx, NY. Joining the daughter of Virginia and "Toots" - in matrimony, in life, in love, with the son of Ernest and Amelia.
Vincent left for Korea two weeks later leaving his new Bride alone. When he returned from fighting that war, they settled into a life together in The Bronx. Soon after, their first son, Vincent, Jr. was born.
Joan and Vincent decided to move out of 'the city' and journey to Long Island to raise their kids. Son, Richard was born in 1957 and finally, their daughter Lynn in 1959.
The family thrived in Commack, NY where Vincent boarded a train each morning at 7:00 am for the trip into NYC and work. He arrived home each evening sometime after 7:00 pm.
Joan was a SAHM (though they were just called "MOMS" back then), and the kids grew with a multitude of friends in the neighborhood
Many of Joan and Vincent's friends from The Bronx also moved out to Commack and the holidays meant parties with friends and families.
This is not a lily-white Disney story as things were not always the best in their lives...as we all do, they had their struggles...
But through it all, they persevered...they accepted what was thrown at them and they fought back...
Work related set-backs...loss of friends due to unfortunate circumstances...family deaths...the obstacles we all share in life. Some handle them better than others...some let them tear their life apart.
Through the hard work, they were able to retire by 60 (though we all think Dad retired at around 55!)...and made a new life for themselves down in Florida where they had owned property for years.
THIS is where it got interesting...the first summer they informed us they would be 'taking a car trip'...together....!!!!!
We asked if their Wills were in order and never got the laugh we had hoped for...money was placed on which body would be found on the side of some abandoned road...all in jest...well....maybe....LOL
But they both came back alive and, it seemed, closer than before they had left...
And the trips kept happening...many many trips....hundreds of thousands of miles....California, Texas, Washington State, across Canada, Vermont, Maine...the trips over the years have just continued to keep them young.
We have told you of Mom Joan's fight and win over Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma...not sure we have ever discussed that only a months before that battle began, Dad Vince had both his knees replaced - to try and improve his life. It did.
They are still traveling - by car- across the country each summer...visiting their kids and grandkids who now live in San Antonio and Long Island, New Jersey and Memphis, and also going off on their own to just relax and enjoy...
They now have 5 grandkids...Candice, Amelia, Adele, Joseph and Matt and are loved by all who know them...
Their health is pretty damn good for a couple of 'old-timers'...and most importantly they still have each other...good and bad...happy and sad...still in love and still married...
"Skinny Vinny" and "Little Joanie"...
With The Grandkids
Vince's 75th Birthday - 2005
San Antonio, TX
Vince's 75th Birthday - 2005
San Antonio, TX
Best Wishes to your folks on their special day. Thanks for sharing their story...
I think this could be your best ever post, very nice
KATHERINE: You are welcome...thanks for stopping..
SARGE: Why Thank You Sir
Happy Anniversary to two people who have shown the world that in spite of all of the challenges, a couple can still come through it happy and together.
And you're a good son for honoring them. Speaks volumes about the type of people your parents are.
what a BEAUTIFUL wedding photo!!!
smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
SONGBIRD: TY...they are pretty damn special
BEE: They made a 'handsome' couple - they still do.
What a lovely post honoring your parents. And because I know they read your blog---Happy Anniversary Mr & Mrs Marini!!
What a great post Vinny! Your parents sound like great people which explains why their son is =)
What a great post Vinny. Happy Anniversay Mr. & Mrs. Marini.
Happy Anniversary Mr & Mrs Marini! This is a wonderful tribute.
You're a good son, my friend.
How lovely.... love like theirs is inspiring. You look soooo much like your dad!
Happy day to the both of them :-)
Happy Anniversary to the parental units!
I still read you almost daily, this one touched my heart. I lost my mom to non-hodgkin's two years ago today (think i told you that one time), so proud your mom survived it. You are one lucky man to have both of your parents, what a loving couple they seem to be!!! And, they raised one fine son!!! Hope things are good with you. bt
Congratulations to the happily maried couple. May the celebrate another 50 together.
As children of this kind of marriage, with a SAHM and a full-time dad, you and I are very fortunate men.
Good Looking Family Vin. Cheers and hope you are feeling better!!
Happy Anniversay Mr. & Mrs. Marini and what a great tribute you wrote for them Vin!
Happy anniversary to your folks and many, many happy returns!
'Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.' ~Michael Leunig
Vince, you're lucky to still have them both.
Aw, Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Bond's Mom and Dad!