The Bench Story

The Bench Story. 

Let’s take a little trip, shall we?

I feel like, one day – 25 years from now – a little person will be running down the hallway of Shannon & Zach’s house. That hallway will be lined with pictures in frames – some old & some new. Chubby little fingers will push lines of dust off of those frames as curious eyes study each photograph. Little bare feet stumble along, realizing the progression of photos. Suddenly, as they get further down the hallway, they begin to recognize the slowly aging faces: Grandma & Grandpa, then Daddy, Aunties & Uncles, a photo where Mommy is added in!

As the little person reaches the end of the hallway, he climbs up onto the chair in order to get a better look at the big picture at the end of the hall. The little person remembers taking this photo, because he was there! It was a large group of smiling faces – and there he was, right in front. Everyone had gathered at the lake, where it had all began, to celebrate 30 years of marriage for Shannon & Zach and a family photo had been captured.

Suddenly, realization hits. He slowly climbs down and steps back to realize that the “chair” he had climbed up on, was the same bench in every single photo. It now resided at the end of his Grandma & Grandpa’s hall. An anchor to the family. And not just in memories & photographs, but as a constant reminder of the steadfast love of two people – who continued to inspire the world with their dedication, loyalty, and love for one another.

This is the story of a bench. A simple, wooden bench that has woven it’s way into a family’s story.

Shannon & Zach – no matter what, y’all better continue taking photos on this bench! We’re 5 years in, and I can’t wait for the next 25 year’s worth of photos!