Twenty-nine years ago on this day, my parents decided to tie the knot and I could not be more excited to have this opportunity to wish them the happiest of anniversaries. 

Now, I’ve heard the story of how they met several times and depending on who you talk to it is a little different each time. I’ll save you all the details, but let’s just say they still argue on who stalked whom. Since then, my parents have moved to the Peach State, got married and had my sister and me and that’s all that really matters to me at this point. 

My parents are the epitome of a happy marriage. They balance each other out and keep each other straight all at the same time. I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to witness their love throughout my life. 

Growing up in Conyers, I looked like my mom’s mini-me, but acted a little too much like my dad. I was a tom boy at heart and had a sarcastic attitude that still gets me in trouble to this day. Thanks, Dad. 

No matter how old I get or what situation I find myself in, I know my parents will be there for me just like they’ve been there my entire life.

I wasn’t even 10 years old when my dad first tried to convince me to play golf, and when my hard head decided to finally pick up the clubs in high school I remember my dad walking alongside me on every course cheering me on in tournaments. No matter what sport it may have been – even if I was just the bat girl to my sister’s softball team – I could always count on my dad to be my biggest cheerleader. He continues to be my cheerleader today and calls me each week to talk about the newspaper after it’s been published. 

While it hasn’t always been this way, my mom is by far my best friend. I talk to her every day – multiple times a day – and I can always count on her to be there for me, no matter what. Whether it is driving more than 30 minutes to help me unlock the keys out of my trunk or listening to me talk through a tough situation from the day, I can always trust her to be there for me. 

I am grateful for this day 29 years ago when my mom decided to take this crazy German last name and start the family I would soon be blessed to join. 

Happy anniversary; I love you. 

Jackie Gutknecht is the managing editor of The Covington News. She can be reached at 770-728-1409 or jgutknecht@covnews.com. Twitter: @jackieg1991