50th Wedding Anniversary

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.  ~Author Unknown

On September 24, 2010 my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. (See pictures at Prayer, Praise and Photographs)  We (22 of us) went to Lone Star Park. We had reserved 3 large tables in The Silk Dinning Room. It was perfect and beautiful. We were able to enjoy our meal as we watched the quarter horses race. There was lots of food, lots of betting and lots of laughter. They had an extremely large buffet area. There was also special cake in honor of their anniversary delivered to our table.

Everyone had a great time. There were some first timers…they had never been to the horse races. It was so much fun watching them, listening to them when they realized they had won and going with them to collect their winnings.

Mom received a beautiful ring for their 50 years together. They asked for no gifts. So each guests placed a bet on a different horse (to win, place or show) in a single race. The hope was that a long shot would come in. No such luck. Of course they won, but not on a long shot. They received a beautiful crystal vase and many cards. The love, laughter and memories shared that night are the best gift of all of us.

My sister Becky and her children (Jennifer, Hailey, and Dillon) had never been to the horse races. They would all pick a horse for a trifecta bet. My sister would place the bet. In error, Becky had placed the same trifecta bet twice for one race. The look on her face when her bet won and she realized it was the one she place twice was priceless. I believe she was the big winner of the night. They were absolutely precious.

My brother Bobby and his wife Angela seemed to be pros. One memory that brings a smile to my face was Bobby, Angela and Jessee watching the race so intensely. Then Angela started jumping up and down. Bobby was smiling. I couldn’t tell you if her horse won, because my thought at that moment was of a happy family.

Three of Bobby and Angela’s seven boys were able to be with us. Fisher and Blake explored while Jessee made a couple of bets.

My Uncle Gary and Aunt Cindy were there to celebrate with us. I adore them. I love to take pictures of them. They show so much affection towards each other. It is true love.

My sweet girls were there as well. Michelle, Cali, Brittany and Mandy looked gorgeous.  Mandy was giving them tips and explaining the process to them. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I was so happy she was able to be there. We missed not having Ronny with her, but duty called and he had to work.

Michelle, Cali, Tommy, Brittany and Wesley all rode together. They looked awesome. This group should have a road show. They bring laughter everywhere they go. Cali was so well behaved. She hung out with me all night and kept me company since Michael was at work. Brittany and Wesley were so color coordinated. I loved it! Unfortunately, I failed to get a picture of just them as a couple. I missed taking several pictures. Michelle and Tommy looked wonderful. They looked so good together.

My Mom’s friends Janith and Dale were also there. I was so happy they could make it. They are like family. They sat at the same table as Michelle, Tommy, Brittany, Wesley, Gary and Cindy. I am sure my girls kept everyone sitting at the table entertained. I heard lots of laughter coming from behind me.

I do owe my Dad an apology. I think every picture (185 of them) flashed in his eyes. He never complained. It is now a joke. He even commented he found me down by the track because he could see the flash of my camera. I LOVE YOU DAD!!!! Sorry, for blinding you through most of the night.

We never know what tomorrow will bring. But what I do know is that 50 years ago a young couple married, gave the gift of life, created a family and provided many happy memories for the future. I owe them so much. I am so blessed to have them as my Mother and Father. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!! Thank you so much!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS NIGHT VERY SPECIAL FOR TWO VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE.