Happy 5oth to my parents!
Friday was my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. I wasn’t sure how that would go over with everyone, whether it would be something nice, or, something bittersweet or what.
My parents aren’t big travelers, however, a couple of years ago, my dad had been planning a cross country trip for them to commemorate the big day. My mother got sick shortly after he started those plans, and, I guess he just abandoned them. I try not think about it much, that thought makes me sad.
I had been thinking about things I could do for them for their anniversary, but, really hadn’t come up with much. I asked my mother what she’d like to do, but, she thought she would be unable to do anything at all. Other than the trip, my dad isn’t much of a planner, so, it was up to me.I thought about calling some of their friends to come over, but, my mother tires easily with visitors, and, my dad just doesn’t like visitors ;) So, I called a priest friend of theirs (They’re Catholic. I guess you figured that out), and, he came over and we had a small ceremony, and that was pretty much it. I thought it would be sad or awkward given the fact that they won’t be having another one, but, it really wasn’t. It turned out to be the right thing to do…
I had planned to tell you more, but, I am out of town at a Panera (free wi-fi) with The Preschooler Formerly Known as Busy Baby (my 4 year old son), and, after letting him butter his peanut butter and jelly sandwich and snort apple juice through a straw from the table, he is running out of things to do, and, I am running out of time before they kick us out.
Tags: 50th-Anniversary, Caregiver, Children
11 opinions for Happy 5oth to my parents!
SistaSmiff
Jul 2, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Happy 50th to Mr. and Mrs Busy Grandparents. 50 years is a lot of living. They’ve seen a lot together. I bet they’d say one of their best accomplishments is their Busy Daughter.
They done good.
Judy
Jul 2, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Happy Anniversary BGs! Congratulations!
Larisa
Jul 2, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Thats a great story and it sounds like you did the right thing. We are having a 40th party for DH’s parents next weekend. 40 isnt really a “milestone” for anniversaries, like 25 or 50 but the plain truth is that since her breast cancer, we’re just glad that they are having a 40. Every day is a bonus. You just never know.
Bob
Jul 2, 2006 at 8:26 pm
Happy 50th anniversary to your parents! I know this must all be bittersweet, and difficult for all of you, but you handle it with such grace, dignity and poise. I read you over on your blog, and I think I’ve shared with you how my own mom passed away from lung cancer in January. At the time, they had been planning a renewal of their vows after 35+ years of marriage - the “ceremony” ended up being in a hospital room. But you know, it didn’t change the love and devotion they shared for one another. It wasn’t about a fancy ceremony, or reception, or even a trip someplace -it was the fact that they were there for one another always, and it sounds like your parents are the same way.
JayMonster
Jul 3, 2006 at 8:19 am
Happy Anniversary to the Busy GrandFolks.
My sister and I threw our parents a 45th Wedding Anniversay party, because with the cancer, we did not think that Mom would make it to their 50th Anniversary.
My father passed away not long after their 49th Anniversary, so we wound up glad we did it, but it is still kind of “awkward” (for lack of a better word) that we did this for Mom’s benefit… and 7 years later she is still going (somewhat) strong.
My point (I had one here somewhere), whether or not they have “another” Anniversary, It is wonderful that you had the opportunity to celebrate this fantastic milestone with them.
Melissa
Jul 3, 2006 at 8:36 am
Happy Anniversery!!! Awesome.
(My browser is being a bitch so if this shows up small, it’s not you, it’s me.
Bug
Jul 3, 2006 at 10:48 am
Happy Anniversery to the both of them and here’s wishing many happy years ahead :)
Deanna
Jul 3, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Happy Anniversary to your parents! I think that you just recognizing it with the simple ceremony instead of a big party was the right thing to do. Congratulations to them!
Kate
Jul 3, 2006 at 2:48 pm
It sounds like the perfect thing to do. Celebrate everything you can the way you can.
Jamie
Jul 3, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Happy 50th Anniversary to your parents! What a wonderful milestone. Sounds like you did just the right thing for your mom and dad.
newscoma
Jul 4, 2006 at 12:57 pm
I lost my mother several years ago, but reading this made me happy and nostalgic.
Happy half a century to your parents, and to you as well.
Happy July 4th!!
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