They were married in 1949...and always lived nearby when I was growing up...and so I have lots of wonderful memories of time spent at at their place. I wrote this little poem for their 'golden anniversary' ten years ago...and after exchanging a few words...found it worked just fine for the sixtieth as well.
Happy 60th Anniversary
We are ever so happy
To be here today,
To share in your 60th,
Uncle George and Aunt Kay.
I cherish the memories
Through all of these years…
You’ve been there for each other
Through laughter and tears .
I remember with fondness
The hours I spent,
Just playing at your house
…or sleeping in your tent.
Dogs, cats and sandboxes,
Playing in the sun,
Spending hours on the ditchbank,
Building forts was such fun!
On Sundays I often
would visit with you,
The T.V. was a treat,
At our house—a TABOO!
Memories of boat rides
And picnics in the park,
Riding with Uncle George
In a big, blue Monarch.
This brings the best of wishes
That you two will find
The days ahead even better
Than those left behind!
We are ever so happy
To be here today,
To share in your 60th,
Uncle George and Aunt Kay.
I cherish the memories
Through all of these years…
You’ve been there for each other
Through laughter and tears .
I remember with fondness
The hours I spent,
Just playing at your house
…or sleeping in your tent.
Dogs, cats and sandboxes,
Playing in the sun,
Spending hours on the ditchbank,
Building forts was such fun!
On Sundays I often
would visit with you,
The T.V. was a treat,
At our house—a TABOO!
Memories of boat rides
And picnics in the park,
Riding with Uncle George
In a big, blue Monarch.
This brings the best of wishes
That you two will find
The days ahead even better
Than those left behind!
We had a fine time together yesterday afternoon...visiting with all the family...and honouring a couple who has gone the distance. We never talked about the hard times yesterday...and we know there have been those. We simply rejoiced with a couple who has stood by each other through thick and thin...and trusted in a God who never fails!
The sixtieth anniversary is called the diamond anniversary. Aha...and it looks like Aunt Kay is sporting some lovely new diamond earrings.
And so she was...and the diamonds came with a little story.
My Uncle George spent his entire career making damaged cars into things of beauty! But for some time now...he has been retired. Retired, yes...idle, no! He decided to quit working with metal...and start working with wood. He wasn't content with building simple pieces of furniture...and before long he was turning out the most intricate and beautiful violins. Not only did he build them...but he also learned to play them.
What a special treasure for his children and grandchildren...to have an instrument handmade by their dad or grandpa.
From violins...he moved to mandolins...
...and his granddaughter was most thrilled with the ukulele that grandpa made for her last summer. Uncle George is a master craftsman...when it comes to musical instruments.
Not so long ago, he was in a jewelry shop...and got talking the the jeweler, who was most intrigued that Uncle George could build instruments. And so they struck up at deal. The jeweler is now the proud owner of a mandolin crafted by Uncle George...Aunt Kay got diamond earrings for her diamond anniversary. How special is that?
You have been a good example of how marriage should work...sharing the good times, bearing the hard times...laughing and living...trusting and forgiving...
...and walking through life side by side.God bless you on your anniversary...and always!
Sixty years is nearly a lifetime - what a wondeful example to all the 'young marrieds' that know them.
ReplyDeleteI loved your little poem and the story of the earrings - both will, I'm sure, become part of family lore.
60 years already!!! I remember your aunt and uncle from my youth as well...lovely to see them celebrating this wonderful event together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I am proud to extend my congratulations also. They are the back bone and just an inspiration for our chaotic world.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
QMM
What a legacy. It's wonderful that they talked about the blessings.
ReplyDeleteHe was obviously skilled craftsman.
I love the picture of the ear....
I took me a while to figure out what was happening.
I expect you all had a wonderful time yesterday. Wish I could have been there, too, to add my congratulations in person! When we were forming those precious memories we couldn't even imagine a 60th anniversary!
ReplyDeleteOur world is better for wonderful examples of marriage like theirs.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting hobby. .and how wonderful that he knows how to strike a good deal.
What a well done post and beautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteLong, loving, respectful marriages speak volumes to our world. How special for all of you to celebrate with you aunt and uncle. I appreciated learning about your poetry skills. Actually, I was really impressed. As for your uncle, and his learned skill...that too is an impressive fact. I admire people who master skills later in their lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling this wonderful part of Mom & Dad's story. They've had an amazing life, and have shown us what love, faith, laughter and courage can do.
ReplyDeleteWe were so glad to see you and everyone else at the party yesterday. The love that filled the room was an awesome thing to experience. It was so great to hear the joy and laughter of everyone catching up with each other.
Thank you also for letting us into your life through this incredible blog site you've created. It really is wonderful. You are a story-teller & a historian, what a wonderful legacy to leave your family.
60 years of marriage is a great reason for a celebration and how nice that your family could be together to share the special day. I am impressed with your uncle's talents and what a cute story about the deal he and the jeweler struck.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your Uncle George and Aunt Kay - 60 years!! A wonderful milestone!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to their enduring love. Thank you for sharing and giving the rest of us hope that there still is "happily ever after".
ReplyDeleteThat was truly a precious story of some awesome sounding folks. Your family certainly has a strong generational blessing on it. Your poem was so special, I bet they just loved it.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe over the "woodworking" hobby. Amazing!
What a wonderful tribute to your Uncle George and Aunt Kay! Your poem was very sweet, and I'm sure they enjoyed it. Aunt Kay's earrings are beautiful and Uncle George is quite a master craftsman!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and best wishes to them as they head towards their 75 anniversary.
We had a few celebrations last week also. 1949 was a good year!
:-)