My grandparents Anna Colgan and Frank Murphy were married on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1917 in Stark County, Illinois.

I once asked my mom why they weren’t holding hands on such a joyous day; such a public display of affection would have been a breech of decorum in that era, she said.

Despite a reserved presentation for the photographer, they tackled their hardships together and their marriage endured for more than 50 years.

They survived a fire that destroyed their home and possessions, farmed through the worst of the Depression and suffered the loss of three infant deaths due to a lack of proper medical care in rural Illinois.

My mother would always feel the loss of siblings she didn’t get to grow up with, yet is grateful for the legacy of lasting love her parents created for us. ~shared by @richsaal