Sixty Years!

We were awesome, my brother and I, with perfect planning and execution.  The day was gorgeous, cool and Autumny.  The people were warm and supportive.  What a beautiful moment to celebrate my parents' 60 years of marriage!

I did all kinds of things to set up surprises.  I secretly asked for friends and family, far and near, to write their memories of my parents.  Everyone I asked came through with their own brand of writing style and unique memories.  I put the writings together in a book, and I was once again amazed at how we each add our particular piece to make a beautiful quilt of life.

My big coup was to have an unexpected guest show up.  It began quite by accident.  The list of invitees only included local people.  But during a phone call, I gathered that my mom's cousin from New Mexieo just might come.  So I took it upon myself to secretly invite her and her husband.  When they showed up, I thought we would have a Kodak moment, my mom dancing and crying and Oh, My Goodnessing.  Instead, she just looked at them like Who Are You And Why Are You Here?  I didn't realize that my mom wouldn't immediately recognize her cousin who she's known for 63 years, but hasn't seen for quite awhile.  Once my mom did realize who this strange woman was, things did get a little Kodaky.  It was all good.

Mom and her cousin

Cheers to the couple who have been together for so long!  Through raising two kids (and I think that I truly put them through some challenging tests); through fun times and times of loss; and through sickness and health.  I honestly doubt that there has been a moment in their marriage where either of them considered calling it quits.  They have been one committed team for SIXTY YEARS.

The lovely couple