.jpg)
It was on this day,60 years ago that my parents said; "I do".
1952
Their wedding took place on a sunny morning in Bristol, Virginia, where my mother and her family resided.
My mother bid her parents and siblings farewell to accompany her husband onward into their new life together, such a long way from home to another country, in the day when there was no such thing as email, texting, or Skype. My father somehow managed to keep his word, and send her home to visit her family frequently during the marriage, with or without their five children if need be.
With an abundance of wedding gifts loaded in my mother's
hope chest she was gifted at an early age, and after a very long journey,
at last they settled down where my father resided, on the Canadian Westcoast.
Fast forward 60 years....
With our own family all spread out geographically, quite literally around the world, including Canada, USA, and Australia, it was such a great thing when three siblings realized we would all be together in one place, at one time again two weeks ago now, so we made the unanimous decision to "celebrate" our parents yet again altogether!
Yes, indeed, we celebrated!
The problem was keeping things a surprise from our folks, and hoping not to surprise them too much at the same time. (smile)
We have been, and seem to be a family of surprise wishers as we've been able to come together for our parent's 25th wedding anniversary, and then their terrific 50th, and now the 60th, though with the last two, only three of the five of us were able to gather.
50th Wedding Anniversary
Our unsuspecting parents thought they were only going to dinner with our family. Little did they know here, they would have no vehicle (we drove), nor overnight clothing (someone was in charge of that), and would be happily reunited with their family for a lovely dinner and dancing evening; including their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all eagerly awaiting their arrival a distance away.
Surprise! There were 28 altogether this evening, such great memories for all to continue reminiscing over. Two weeks ago, the entire family count is now at 64, including all the many great-grandchildren born into the family in recent months.
How fun to witness the beaming glow and loving hearts, after their wild senses process and begin to adjust from the shock of each surprise.
60th Wedding Anniversary
Our gathering spot for their 60th wedding anniversary, we decided upon a quite evening with just those present from out of town and our spouses. We chose a quaint and intimate restaurant known for their old world charm that turned out to be an excellent venue for what we were hoping for to celebrate this night.
With my husband playing chauffeur for my (unsuspecting) parents, all the others quietly awaited their arrival. Once inside the doorway, it took a minute for them to register those assembled in their midst, such a lovely moment.
The restaurant made it special too, gifting our mother with a little posy of fresh flowers, placing candles in their desserts, and singing "Happy Anniversary to You!".
In fact, the evening ended up being a wonderful and memorable reunion, with many happy short speeches and expressed emotions spilling forth.
God Bless you Mom and Dad!
Happy and Blessed 60th Wedding Anniversary!
We love you!
