Barbara and John Gladu are the definition of true high school sweethearts. Between going to senior prom together, visiting each other at Penn State and lying by the pool, nothing can come between these past 37 years of pure love.
They both knew early on they were meant to be, and they have a lifetime of love to show for.
“Their love is what I look up to most,” their daughter Emily said. “They inspire me every day with how forgiving they are and by the amount of sacrifices they make for our family. They care more about helping achieve my dreams over theirs.”
When you have three kids like Barbara and John do, you learn a lot about sacrifice. And whether it is sacrificing a date night or a new kitchen, Barbara and John are willing to do anything for the good of their children.
They are also great role models to Matt, Ryan and Emily. They are strong-willed, loving parents, but even more so they are a strong couple. And in the midst of life’s toughest battles, they fight them all without complaint.
“They never let you see them struggle,” Emily said. “They constantly put everyone before themselves and do it with the biggest smile on their faces. They encourage us to follow our dreams, whether it be outrageous or achievable. They give their all to any situation, no matter how big or small.”
To Emily, her parents are her best friends. She loves spending time with them and laughing with them, and she is thankful for the unconditional love they both have in their hearts.
Of course, there is a lot of love that goes around in the Gladu family as well, and the kids are all grateful for this.
“The most important thing to them both is spending quality time with family,” Emily said. “As long as everyone is together, nothing can go wrong. They love to try new craft beers and travel to different breweries together. Their favorite spot is TreeHouse Brewery in Charlton, MA.”
Quality time together has only made John and Barbara grow closer and closer over time, and they are truly two peas in a pod.
John is also the yin to Barbara’s yang. John loves cooking, especially on the smoker, and Barbara loves spending time at the beach and filling in her coupon book. And while these are completely differing interests, they are what make this loving couple who they are.
What also makes this loving couple who they are is their wonderful personalities, which complement each other like peanut butter and jelly.
“My dad is the hardest working person,” Emily said. “He is hard to talk to, but when you do, you walk away feeling confident and that everything is going to be alright. When you need it fixed, he’s got it.
“My mom is the most giving person in the world. She would take a bullet for you. Your problems are her problems; she will never make you feel alone.”
Talk about two outright amazing people. John and Barbara are clearly wonderful people who make a wonderful couple, and it is easy to see why their kids have turned out the way they have.
“Life with my parents is just as sweet as getting two My Pillows for the price of one,” Emily said.
Life in the Gladu family is like scoring an amazing discount every day, and that is all thanks to John and Barbara.
“From my heart, there is no one quite like my parents. There is nothing in the world that I could gift them that would exceed what they have already gifted me. My love for them grows every day, and I love them more than any two other people in the world. Happy 29th Anniversary to the best parents ever!” – Emily