Celebrating 59 years of Marriage (collectively;)

When I was a young girl I can remember attending Golden Wedding celebrations for couples in my hometown.   Folks would put on their Sunday best and gather together to congratulate the couple and share in some cake.

I can even remember attending a 75th anniversary celebration one year! ..........They seemed very old :)

In my naïveté I assumed I would marry and live long and have a Golden Anniversary party one day.  

When Brandon died we had been married 23.75 years.  

My dad came to visit me after he died.  While we were visiting one afternoon he said to me,

"Guess how many years of marriage your mom and I would have celebrated next month?"

"I'm not sure?"

"50.   It would have been our Golden. Your mind keeps track, even after they are gone."

There were tears in his eyes.

I have found that to be true.  Your mind does keep track.  And sometimes tears fill your eyes when you think about it.

It's interesting that Damon and I both married in the third week of December. A few days shy of five years apart.  It's cool and convienent that our anniversary's are so close.

This year marked 27 years for me and 32 years for Damon.

In recognition, we go to the movies.  We go out to eat.  We reminisce.  

We won't live long enough to be married 50 years to each other, but we may live long enough to experience the Golden Mark of our first marriages.  

I'm so thankful for a companion who understands that special days.....  just stay special..... no matter what :)  Here's to keeping track of the years!