At our eldest daughter's wedding 2012 |
My
husband and I have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Our
daughters and their husbands hosted a party for us and invited people from a
guest list we provided. My parents, sisters and their husbands, and many of our
friends— both those long-time friends from school days, and newer ones— who came to help us
celebrate.
The
doorbell rang; people came and went all afternoon. Our young granddaughters were
excited about the party and came for a hug now and then or retreated to watch a
television show in a room away from the steady stream of people.
The
dining room table was loaded with munchies, provided by family and others.
People spread out from one end of the house to the other. Introductions were
made, connecting long-time friends with newer friends. Conversations ranged
from school days, who brought that tasty snack and who knows who, to clowning
and ministry.
Our
youngest daughter had made a small scrapbook album with places for guests to
write a short message. My husband and I had a hand in locating pictures. Still
a few photos popped up that I hadn’t seen in awhile.
My
daughters were excellent hosts and their husbands helped wherever needed. We
welcomed guests as they arrived, but my daughters took over from there, mingling
with the guests and asking if they’d signed the guest book or if they’d like a
drink or snacks.
Later
in the afternoon, our youngest daughter settled in the room where we were
sitting, set a music stand in place and arranged her notes before checking the tuning
of her guitar. I had asked several months ago if she could learn a particular
song for our anniversary, but I didn’t know when or how it would work out. She
played a few opening bars and began to sing. I found myself singing along, but
silently, to the beautiful music and lyrics that I had played and replayed on
the Internet where I’d found the song.
Guests
in other parts of the house came to listen. For seven or eight glorious moments,
I watched Sarah’s rapt face as she sang for us. I glanced at my husband who was
listening with his eyes closed then looked back to watch as she continued.
When
she had finished singing, she asked for words of wisdom from us. Like others,
our family has weathered changes and challenges over the years, some being more
recent.
I
wondered what I’d say if ever someone asked me that question, and there it was,
on our anniversary, with many ears— including our other daughters and their
husbands— to hear it.
What
popped into my head at that moment was what I said. I smiled, the answer
unrehearsed, and said, “We survived.”
Whether
I was to say something more profound, that’s what came out. Others laughed, the
knowing response of those who have experienced their own marital and family
challenges, and yet, here we are together and 40 years married and celebrating.
More
serious, I answered, “Sticking together through the tough times.” Truly, I cannot
remember what I said next, but it wasn’t long. Sometimes a short answer is best.
I
wasn’t ready for Sarah’s solo to be over. It was quite possibly the most moving
part of the entire celebration. Some folks in the front room were disappointed,
thinking there would be more music forthcoming, and so an encore was requested.
The guitar and the stand reappeared and Sarah sat and sang the song again.
Later,
when the afternoon celebrations were past, my brother would fly in from the
West to spend a few weeks with our family.
Yesterday
as I wrote thank you cards, I sifted through my memories of the day. My husband
might have been doing it as well.
I
thank God that we have been able to weather the storms we’ve faced thus far and
thankful that our family is doing well, that they are for the most part healthy, and
that our girls and their guys are willing to work together and to help each
other and us when the need arises. I also thank God for his love and grace that is
larger than anything we can imagine.
Carolyn Wilker, editor, speaker, storyteller and author of Once Upon a Sandbox
4 comments:
Carolyn - there's a lot to be said for survival through the tough times. Sometimes we have no words of wisdom just gratefulness for the courage God gives to persevere. Hugs, Rose
Carolyn - there's a lot to be said for survival through the tough times. Sometimes we have no words of wisdom just gratefulness for the courage God gives to persevere. Hugs, Rose
Congratulations Carolyn!
Evidently you had a wonderful celebration -- and what a great family.
Nice pics too.
As Rose commented, it's so true that there's a lot to be said for survival through the tough times.
Grace and peace be multiplied ~~+~~
Lovely blog, Carolyn. Very sincere and honest. A piece like this should go in your family bible for the next generation to read.
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