Surprise 50th Celebration!

Surprise - Happy 50th Anniversary!
No storm was going to rain on our parade! Although it was looking bleak for a while as guests began piling into my sisters house. . when Mom & Dad arrived. . . the rain started to fizzle away and they were thoroughly surprised to be greeted yesterday by a crowd of about 100 people. . . a mix of their sisters & brothers, nieces & nephews to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the pastoral staff of our church. They rain stayed away long enough for us to enjoy a great meal together and after that we surprised them again as our Youth Pastor Danny Sullivan sang a very special song, followed by Pastor Kevin Green telling them that he was honored to help them renew their marriage vows. Dad had a difficult time getting thru his - he cried and was emotional thru many segments, but he got thru them, as did she, and in the end he was cutting up with jokes and humor as always. Dad gave us great wisdom - "I've always told my children that every day you wake up, that in itself is something to be thankful for. . ." Dad said he has told mom over and over that if he could go back and live his life all over, that he would never change a single thing. His life, he said, has been blessed - more than he deserves (we beg to differ!). After the vows, we brought out the beautiful cake for all to enjoy!

Thanks to everyone in the family who was able to make the event. . .they were so blessed. He loved having his sister Wanda there with him. . .as well as so many others! (see in picture). When I talked to dad this morning, he said he was so surprised and couldn't believe we had orchestrated that whole thing without them knowing anything about it - he was especially amazed the grandkids didn't spill the beans! He was glad to see the kids having a blast at the party - they swam in the rain, and of course, after the rain! Dad didn't seem to get tired thru it all - they stayed for several hours to enjoy everyone's company.

Today we take him for a doctors appointment regarding the arthritis in his foot that is swollen & painful. . . hopefully to get him back on the meds that help with that. Tomorrow he starts up his therapy again - he will have back to back therapies (physical & occupational therapy) in the afternoon. We'll keep you posted!