The parents of Benjamin Franklin don’t receive much fanfare, notoriety, or acclaim about the lives they lived. Ben talks a little about them in his Autobiography. One of the things they taught Ben was to obey the commandments of God. As a result, he did honor them. After all, Honor thy Father and Mother is the first commandment with a promise—that your life may be long in the land.

Here’s what Ben wrote in honor of his parents after their death:

“Josiah Franklin
and Abiah, His Wife
Lie here interred
They lived together loving in Wedlock
Fifty-five years
Without an estate of any gainful employment
By constant labour and industry
With God’s blessing
They maintained a large family
Comfortably
And brought up thirteen children
And seven grandchildren
Reputably
From this Instance, Reader
Be encouraged to Diligence in thy Calling
And distrust not Providence
He was a pious and prudent man
She a discreet and virtuous woman
Their youngest son
In filial regard to their Memory
Places this Stone
J.F. born 1655 Died 1744 Aetat (age) 89
A.F. born 1667 Died 1752 Aetat (age) 85

They didn’t get to see Benjamin Franklin’s greatest achievements.
His part in the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris—ending the Revolutionary War, and the U.S. Constitution.

I think they must have watched from Heaven!