Celebrating that counts
Family and friends help celebrate 50th Anniversary
My two oldest grandsons are adults now. But when they were growing up, they celebrated birthdays very differently. One preferred people and parties and cake and gifts. The whole thing, The other preferred a couple of friends to hang with. Of course, who doesn’t want cake and ice cream?
As my in-laws got older, the family wanted to throw Keith’s Mom a party for her birthday. She preferred a quiet family gathering. When Dad turned 90, he was all for the big party and that’s just what we gave him. Food and cake and fun. Sons, his daughter, in-laws, grandkids, and great-grandkids were all invited along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The church hall was filled with well-wishers, many of who were part of putting it on with food, decorations, invitations, and more. Our daughter and then new son-in-law flew back from Florida, where he was stationed, for the celebration. Oh, what memories were made that day, and pictures taken to heighten those memories!
This year, September 2, 2024, Keith and I celebrated our 50th anniversary. Our kids, Cassie and Chris who are hardly kids anymore planned a celebration of family and friends at our church the Saturday before our actual anniversary. Cassie, Kurt and kids brought their new tiny puppy for us to meet, adding something extra special to the weekend. We got to spend time with our grandkids as well as other family and friends.
Celebrations don’t have to be large or noisy. Two of our close friends, Al & Dee, married two weeks before we did. In July their kids held a celebration for their folk’s 50th anniversary with their Mom’s wishes in mind. In college a group usually hung out together. Six of us became three couples and friends for life. The third couple, Jeff & Gloria, got engaged the year we and the other couple married.
Al & Dee’s celebration was held in their son’s home in Kearney. Three of their four children attended. Two live in Kearney and the third was home from the mission field for surgery. The fourth stationed in Hawaii with her military husband called during the afternoon. Besides the family, Keith and I and Jeff and Gloria attended. We had a quiet afternoon of food, fellowship, conversation and looking at the wedding and other pictures. We made special memories.
Everyone is different regarding celebrations. Don’t force large celebrations on those who prefer something smaller. But do celebrate those special times in our lives. Children learn the fun of celebrating and making memories. For the older set, when memories grow dim, these special times may be what we hold onto the longest.
Celebrations don’t need expensive food or settings. No budget? Make it potluck. Decorations? Check out the dollar store. Cost shouldn’t keep us from celebrating. Celebrations only need people who care to reach out and help someone make precious memories.
What’s next for you?
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Column Published Kearney Hub 10/03/2024
https://kearneyhub.com/celebrating-that-counts/article_9c060353-f9dc-5534-a87d-b0ee1cf75e03.html
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