50 years...

A little more than 50 years ago, a young woman from Charleroi, Belgium came to the United States. Sponsored by the Porter family of Mesa, Arizona, she enrolled at BYU to study for her Master's Degree. While she was there, she met a young man from Meridian, Idaho, who had recently returned from a mission to her native country. Although their paths had crossed many times while he was on his mission, and they were both at the "Y", they didn't meet until they were introduced by a mutual friend at a party.

The rest, you could say, is history. On July 17, 1957, Andree Lucienne Duchesne married Donald Gibbons Barbezat in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for time and all eternity.



Upon finishing his education at BYU, Don embarked on his career as an Air Force Officer.



With Andree by his side, Don traveled the world and raised three children. Twenty-five years later, they found themselves back where they began - in Arizona. With one child married, one on a mission, and one at BYU, they happily celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at their home in Tempe, Arizona.



Now, twenty-five years after that happy occasion, Don and Andree are still together. Only this time they're celebrating with family on the other side of the veil. Their three children are happily married and living full and interesting lives.

On this day when we remember my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I'd like to honor them. They didn't always find life an easy road to travel (who does?), but they were always together. Recognizing the gift of their Temple marriage, I know they are together still and will be through the eternities. I'm grateful for the example they set and the lives they lived. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. We love and miss you both.