A Special Evening – 60 Years of Marriage

Our guests are all gone now and we’re just getting the house back in order, laundry under control and some sleep, too! 

But this past weekend we got to be part of a special evening – my sister’s mother and father-in-law were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. 

I was elected to make the Tomato Caprese Salad.  Never having made one, it took me several tries and many questions to finally figure out how it’s done.

In this picture I am not doing it correctly, but I’m blissfully unaware of it at the moment. 🙂

There was flower arranging being done by the expert family floral designer…

antipasto platters being prepared…

jars being filled with local honey as gifts for the guests…

even a haircut was given to the guest of honor by his son (my brother-in-law)…

like in old days…

Finally, all preparations were done and a lovely evening ensued giving honor to this couple, who have served faithfully in the church ever since I’ve known them, showing hospitality to the masses (no exaggeration) and inspiring others by their friendliness and originality.  They, as well as their family, have influenced me through the years.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted

When I was a small girl of 12, this man (Bro. Alvin) showed me an act of kindness by asking as to my health. (I was having a terrible attack of allergies from the bouquet I carried in my sisters wedding, something I had never experienced before or since. 🙂 )  His caring enough to inquire has stayed with me through the years. 

This is a good lesson for all of us.  Care about others – you never know how you might change their life.

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.

From her (Sis. Minnie) I have been inspired to be more healthy minded.  Who else do you know that has a pantry that looks like an apothecary shop?  It’s not for looks either.  This is well used, each jar being filled with some type of herb.

Never feel your job is unimportant, mothers.

She has taught generations by her tutelage, teaching her own children, who are teaching their children.  I always like to tell people that while I use cookbooks, my sister and her children could writethe cookbooks.  This is all because Sis. Minnie inspired her son, who inspired his wife (my sister – I’m soooo proud!), who inspired her children.

Congratulation on 60 years, Bro. Al and Sis. Minnie! 

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.  – Genesis 2:24

I can’t finish this without showing you my great-niece Lydia.  Here she is sitting in a little rocker that belonged to her Great Grandpa.  What a darling!