Sixty Years

Sixty years ago today, a couple of crazy kids said I do.

You might recognize them a bit more like this:

Yes! As of today, my parents achieved a milestone I won't see until I'm 94. {And I am just cantankerous enough to make it to 94, thankyouverymuch.}

They got married at 8:00 in the evening, at the little Friends Church where Mom grew up, and we get to peek in on some of the details of the day courtesy of the fact that newspapers were more than just newsy on the wedding announcements back in 1954.

The Rev. William A. Wagner, pastor of the Bethel Friends Church and a cousin of the bride, performed the single-ring rites before the altar, which was decorated with palms, two seven-branch candelabra and standards of white gladioli. Family pews were marked with white satin bows. 

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was gowned in white Chantilly lace over taffeta. A sweetheart neckline accented the gown's fitted bodice, which was trimmed with sequinned medallions of the lace and long lace sleeves ended in bridal points at the wrists. Her fingertip veil of imported illusion was held in place by a cap of lace and accordion pleated satin, studded with pearls and rhinestones. She carried a white Bible and a white orchid tied with white satin streamers in lover's knots. 

Reception in honor of the couple was held in the Christian Education building of the church. A three-tiered wedding cake decorated in yellow and white and topped with the traditional bride and bridegroom centered the bridal table.

{And that's about a quarter of the newspaper article. I never would have made it as a writer then. I didn't even know the proper usage of some of those words!!}


And so they were married...and along the way had three daughters...and have welcomed sons-in-law and a grandson and granddaughter. {And a host of grandanimals, but only MISTER Freelan will claim those.}

Sixty years is a huge deal. HUGE! Not many people have that accomplishment to their name, and I'm proud of my parents for persevering through a whole lotta life to reach this day. Thankful that they pushed through hard days and enjoyed good days and provided a good life for my sisters and me.

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! Thanks for the legacy you've created through the last 60 years!