I think everyone can agree that no two families, let alone people, adjust to the passing of a loved one in precisely the same way. Since my dad left this life for the next, our family has fallen into a pattern that is a balm to grieving hearts that sorely miss his presence in our midst. We celebrate! We celebrate his birthday every year, we celebrate his passing, and on Saturday, we had much cause to celebrate with Mother what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Our plans were laid hastily in the morning when it dawned upon us what day it was. Mother took Jeff, Paul and I out to a scrumptious lunch at the Olive Garden (a favorite of theirs for many years), and while we were gone, the girls put together a party — in the morning, they went shopping and bought a great big butterfly balloon and a bouquet of flowers, and Jeff got involved with that and came home with four kinds of ice cream and four kinds of sparkling juice. Then during our luncheon, they made mom’s favorite Wacky Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. Geneva had her friend Faith visiting for an overnighter, so we had an extra participant to enhance our celebration even more. Lunch time was filled with reminiscences and the retelling of favorite stories. We do that, you see, we re-tell the stories. We do not tire of them, for it is our oral tradition! And when we all came together later in the afternoon for cake, it was so very festive, and I know Dad was as delighted with it all as was our dear Mama!!
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Denise
16 Jul 2013That is lovely! My parents were short of their 50th by two years when my father passed away…it’s been nine years now. It never seems long….it’s like yesterday…God bless these fathers who await us in eternity.
Annette Heidmann
16 Jul 2013Four years it’s been, and no, it seems nothing at all. It is so comforting to know he is there waiting!!
paulyho39
16 Jul 2013It was a fantastic day….made so joyful and happy by my kids and the fun we had together! I can’t thank them enough!