Ralph and Shirley II

Women's History Month challenge forMarch 6 — Describe an heirloom you may have inherited from a female ancestor (wedding ring or other jewelry, china, clothing, etc.) If you don’t have any, then write about a specific object you remember from your mother or grandmother, or aunt (a scarf, a hat, cooking utensil, furniture, etc.)

We interrupt the Women's History Month blog challenge to bring you an important announcement. Today is Ralph and Shirley Shelton's 57th wedding anniversary.

Shirley at Texas Tech, glamour shot.



Ralph at Texas Tech, glamour shot.

They majored in journalism and edited the college newspaper. She graduated. He graduated. And on March 6, 1954, they were married in First Methodist Church, Lubbock, Texas. They moved to their present house in 1967 and raised four obstreperous young, who fanned out across the country but somehow manage to stay close.

They gave us everything and still do. Heirlooms? I could list some lovely things, but the greatest is the way that they still look at each other. Happy anniversary, you crazy kids, and thanks for the world. From your loving children.