Nearly two years ago, in August, we had a magnificent reason to celebrate. Ed and I were mid-stream on the remodel – we were at the stage that looks like total destruction, without quite reaching the point where we could start putting it all back together again – and we were ready for a break.
August in each of the previous two years had seen us heading for Kauai. (And if you are wondering why on earth we would head to Kauai in summer, when we can finally count on some nice weather in the Northwest, it has a lot to do with Kristina’s schedule.) Not 2005 – we had other plans.
Ed’s parents were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Phyllis and Tom decided they wanted a small celebration, just immediate family and spouses, but that still meant 15 people at the farmhouse. Phyllis had lists going for weeks – a woman after my own heart – and hosted a wonderful weekend party.
We took pictures, ate well, played word and card games, walked and talked, listened to thunder, watched for deer (and skunk!), drove the tractor, played bocci and horseshoes, and laughed often. Phyllis even got out her wedding dress - it was lovely.
There was cake of course, and it was a tender moment for all of us gathered there to see Tom and Phyllis cut the cake… much as they must have done fifty years earlier, when none of us were more than a twinkle or a dream.
The thing I remember most is the laughter. And this picture.
Less than a year passed before the engagements started. First Ed proposed to me on Memorial Day weekend last year. Then Aaron, Debbie, and Brenda announced their engagements before the autumn. Ed warned them – in the nicest possible way – to stay away from July when choosing a date.
Our wedding will be the third one, with Brenda and Daniel exchanging their vows next June. It is a long, full season of celebration. Ed’s parents have been an inspiration to all of us – they sowed the seeds of family, respect, loving kindness, and belief in one another.
We must nurture what we have been given.
And as we lie beneath the stars,
We realize how small we are,
If they could love like you and me,
Imagine what the world could be
~Nickelback
2 comments:
Truly American.....simply refreshing and wonderful.
Ooops, I just assumed you were American, sorry about that. It was truly a great blog. I just happened to run onto your blog, it's great.
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