For the last thirty days we have been in full on celebration mode with multiple festive gatherings to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. For several months leading up to the event I got to flex my previously untested party planner muscles. I had a lot of fun doing it. More than I expected. I’m a little at sea now that everything is done. (Can you hear my sweet husband in the background saying time to work on my buildings on the railroad while you can still see and have a relatively steady hand? He may be right.)
It has been a joyous time filled with family, friends, lots of laughter, boatloads of hugs, and reconnecting with friends we haven’t seen in decades. In the middle of it all was my family reunion which meant we got to celebrate with extended family too. My ninety-year-old uncle who was my first babysitter said he never expected to be at my fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. He gifted me with a small ceramic pitcher and basin that he had been given by his aunt and uncle (my great aunt and uncle) on the occasion of his own 50th. My great aunt and uncle had been given it on their 50th. So now I have a small family heirloom to enjoy until the next 50th anniversary in the family.
We enjoyed dining and dancing and toasting. Six of my nine siblings helped us celebrate. We got to meet my husband’s college roommate’s wife and one of his daughters. My baby brother brought my best friend from college along to the party when he came from Oklahoma with his sons. We had former neighbors and friends from lots of places we have lived travel to be with us and share in our celebrations. I was overwhelmed by the love and joy that washed over us. It was wonderful to see all the smiles and feel the hugs.
This past Saturday the month of celebration concluded with the book signing for my fifth book. That seems almost as hard to believe as being married for fifty years. We have been truly blessed.
Sometimes it seems it isn’t right to celebrate when there is so much evil plaguing people around me. But I think we have to celebrate hard and frequently to show evil it doesn’t rule. Our celebrations are wrapped in thankfulness that love and joy and hope still thrive in this world and are there to buoy us up when life is hard and unrelenting. There will be illness and injury and death. But His Love will win out in the end. And that is why I celebrate unceasingly all that is good. Party on!
Happy 50th Anniversary. A wonderful occasion to celebrate.
Was so much fun to see you and Jim after so many post Philly years. Was great meeting each of your sisters. Congratulations again on your anniversary and your latest book. Thank you also for the note and pictures. Wish we did not live so far apart!!
Congratulations to You & Jim!! Sounds like y’all had a Wonderful time Celebrating!! As always, loved seeing you at your Book signing!! Can’t wait for the next one my Friend!! ❤️
How wonderful! I am so glad that you got to see all of your dreams come to fruition at your celebrations! I am also thrilled that you just released Book 5! I am so blessed to call you my friend. Love you 🥰
Sounds like you had a great time. So happy for both of you. It was good to see you. Did get this picyure in the mail of two old people. Where did the 50 years go? May you have many more.
WOW so much to be thankful for and celebrate!! You and Jim are truly blessed!!
Congratulations on your 50th anniversary. My husband and I just celebrated 53 years. It is amazing, when you think about it. Also, congrats on your new release. We have to be thankful for everything that’s good. Best wishes to you.
Hearty congratulations on your 50th anniversary and your 5th book!! This is all wonderful–and it’s fantastic to celebrate all of the joyous events and blessings in life. Wishing you all the very best. With love–Caryl
Happy Anniversary!!
Congratulations! What a busy month.
Happy 50th Anniversary and congratulations on your latest book! Can’t wait to read!
Congratulations on your anniversary! May you have many more years.
Congratulations Kim on your 50th and your new book!! Sara Blackbourn Culler
Wow! I never knew about your amazing gift from Uncle Gordon. How thoughtful.
Lots to be thankful for! So blessed!
Happy 50th Anniversary to you both – definitely a milestone to be celebrated and thankful for!
Just…AMEN!
So much to celebrate!! Love you so much and am eagerly awaiting the chance to celebrate Book #6 😁