When I was small, I was fascinated by my mother's engagement ring. It was called "Starfire" back then, and it glittered and sparkled on her finger like the Promise it was. She told us stories about how she and dad eloped to South Carolina, and how he sang to her in that rich baritone on the way to get married.
All through that marriage, she never asked for much, but a few months ago, she told me how she wants to live to see the 50th anniversary of that day - September 1, 2007 - and how she wanted the anniversary party to end all parties. Trust and believe, she deserves it. Life with Marshall, the Silver Bullet, was a hard row to hoe, but on the plus side, she concedes it was never boring.
She has tried to wheedle out of us - Do you have plans? Have you ordered a cake? But we have been very tight-lipped about it, and shrugged her questions away - we wanted to surprise her.
More recently, as her health has failed more, mom has told me she isn't sure she'll see that day. And so I told her - Yes, you will. We have this party planned, and you have to be there!
Her eyes lit up, and then she got serious and said, I just want my children and grandchildren to come. I don't think I can handle a big crowd. Two days later, she handed me a guest list.
It had only 6 names - but my brother and I added 2 more.
We're having it catered. We're ordering a gorgeous cake. The grandchildren are putting together a CD of the music popular in 1957 and they're also working on a collage of pictures - a sort of This Is Your Life album.
And the extra guests are our cousin the Preacher and his wife.
Little does she know that on her 50th anniversary, she will be renewing her wedding vows.
I hope she will be pleased. :-)
6 comments:
It sounds wonderful! How nice that you can do this for your mom!
Shadie
I know she will be pleased -- It sounds absolutely perfect! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Hope you have been doing well. Martha :-)
Ah, Spice*... love her sentiments and the family's devotion.
A marriage lasting 50 years is nothing short of miraculous. God works in mysterious ways we don't always understand. :)
Hoping one and all enjoy the blessed gathering.
Hugs n' stuff
Tina*
That is SO wonderful!! She deserves this! I look forward to hearing how everyone turns out. You guys are great to do this for her. My parents were married just past their 55th anniversary when my father died.
Lori
Your mom sounds like a cutie. Tell us all about the party after the fact. Paula
I love it. I think it's a beautiful endearing sentiment to renew the vows 50 years later to the day! Your mother sounds like one sweet little lady. (Hugs) Indigo
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