Geeze Louise, You Two are Easy to Love.

You Made Some People

Matt Upton

I have written this bad boy about 5 times.  I just am not sure what I can say that matches how I am feeling about this milestone.  40 years.  This number is amazing to me.  I know that it was not always bliss filled, but you two are absolute proof, that weathering difficult times can strengthen a bond and create a lasting and positive relationship.  I have had a chance to see all of the photo's that people have sent to Carla (who should get the majority of the credit for this, by the way, she pretends to be a hard ass who will punch you in the neck, but she is one of the sweetest most loving individuals on the planet.) and I have to say, how much fun it has been to see some key moments especially from your past.  I saw one picture of mom wearing dad's navy hat, and I couldn't help but smile, I want a copy.

Because of this partnership, I am here.  Not only did you guys bring me into this world, but you took your jobs seriously; you raised not only me, but also my two sweet little sisters.  We learned through your example, and through lessons you tried to teach us along the way.  You have supported us in ways that may not be evident to us until we are old and grey and are dealing with little brats of our own.  I will forever appreciate the emphasis you put on learning, and the arts.  I have so many fond memories of travel around and all the adventures our family had along the way.  I have always known that I could talk to either of you about pretty much anything, and though I may have been in trouble, I knew, no matter what, at the end of the day, I had a mom and dad who love me unconditionally.

I am so proud and honored to be able to congratulate you for 40 years of marriage, I am so happy for the two of you to be living on your terms living where you want to live, and being able to do activities that bring joy to you.  I love you guys, and I wish you many, many more years of happiness!

Matt 

P.S.  I keep this picture on my desk.  If I am having a rough day, it provides me with an automatic smile.

Carla Upton

Mom and Dad -

Happy 40th wedding anniversary. I hope you enjoy the blog. What started out as "let's give it a shot and see what happens," turned into a supremely fantastic project confirming what we already know- just how fantastic and wonderful you guys are. I'm greatful every day for you guys. Even though it's not said I love you and really hope you enjoy reading what everybody said .  Love love love you.

As a side note I couldn't have accomplished this blog without Matt and Chrissy's help (Chrissy is definitely a Mom Jr. She didn't let any of my spelling and punctuation errors sneak by her.)*

Also the videos and most of the pictures wouldn't be up with out Chrissy.

*Including these ones, which she tried to put in at the 11th hour so I wouldn't notice...

Chrissy Upton

Ma and Pops,

Forty years. Seriously, you two. Congratulations, Good Job, Thank You, and Holy Shit.

When Carla suggested this project, I was excited to honor you, but had no idea it would prove so meaningful to me as well. This gave me the opportunity to not only paw through pictures (that I had never seen before and that I love so much) of your past (courtesy of Aunt Jo), but also to see that it’s not just Matt, Carla, and I who have benefited from your decision to start a family. 

Here are some things I have learned/thought/realized from this process. 

1)      Your love for people in their truest form has honestly changed lives. Reading the words of family and friends made me realize that I have NEVER brought someone home whom you did not treat with respect and acceptance. When I think about some of the people I have brought home, this is truly an amazing feat. And yet, you feed them, you drive them around, and more often than not you create your own relationship with them. You love them. You laugh with them. You share your lives with them. This behavior has resulted in the perpetual growth of the Clark-Upton clan. I have countless sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, made from unconditional love, rather than blood (although I have some pretty damn badass blood aunts/uncles/cousins too.) Thank you for this. It’s a tradition I plan to continue as long as I live. 

2)      You have taught me that even in the toughest moments you can find laughter. Whether it is remembering someone we love through funny stories or finally just laughing at how stupid an argument really is. You have always used laughter as a way to heal and overcome obstacles. When I miss you it is the laughing I think about most. You have created a family of loud, sincere laugh-ers. I really like that about us. 

3)      You are just fuckin’ adorable. You were in ’75 and you are today. Cute as fuckin’ buttons. When I was going through photos I kept seeing Matt in Dad and Carla in Mom. I fell in love with Pop’s mustache and puffy coat, and the cute little curve of Mom’s nose and her ever-present toothy grin. Your smiles have apparently always been contagious, and I spent no less than two hours with a ridiculous one of my own while I scanned away. (The cheek pain is not over as I have two more boxes of the Upton side. WhittlebabyJimmyhasthecutestDIMPLE.) 

4)      You have and will always be there when someone you love is in need. You give through your time and talents, your energy and your pockets. You never ask for anything in return, and often don’t even get the gratitude you deserve, and yet here you are, still doing it after all of these years. 

5)      I don’t tell you thank you enough. I have never told you thank you enough. Truth be told it would be impossible to thank you enough. 

6)      You made me the best brother and sister anyone could ever hope for. They are just like you. They love me more than any sensible person should, and they show it in their own unique and adorable ways. They have both followed your lead, and chosen to spend every day of their lives helping improve the lives of others. They give, give, give and love, love, love AND make the very best fart jokes. What else could a girl ask for? 

7)      The signs of your pet hoarding were showing early. It’s no surprise you have found yourselves where you are. Thank God for it too. What the hell would we do without our babies? 

8)      It is impossible to express everything I am thinking and feeling here. I have learned I need to do a better job of saying it to you when it crosses my mind, instead of waiting for a milestone. 

9)      I am a lucky little shit.

I suppose that is it for now. I wish this could adequately express everything in this brain. But it can’t and won’t, so I will creatively problem solve a way to get the rest of it out of here and to you.

I love you guys. I love you so, so, so much. Thank you for starting our family. Thank you for pushing through the not-so-pretty times for all the prettiest ones. Thank you for always being an example of love, growth,  forgiveness, as well as the proper use of red wine and pina coladas (sometimes in the same night.)

Sugar

P.S. I only said fuck twice three times!

Jennifer White

Adorable video will be privately shared.

Meg Groat