Thursday of this week will mark a very important milestone for Jeanine and I. We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I can’t say it’s always been a smooth ride… it hasn’t, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
We didn’t have a clue that our children had recruited relatives and extended family members to give us a surprise party last Friday evening. Well, it was sort of a surprise. Jeanine ran into an old friend who had been invited in Kroger last week. I guess they had forgotten about everyone saying it was a surprise party and asked Jeanine where the venue was. Needless to say, she was surprised. The family had been working behind closed doors for over two months on what turned out to be elaborate details.
I guess the friend realized he had spilled the beans. He didn’t show up at the party.
Regardless of the absence of a total secret, we didn’t know anything that was going on and I must say it was a surprise to see the number of people that turned out and how elaborate the party and meal was. About 75 family members, lake family and friends showed up. We were very appreciative that they all took time from their busy schedules to be with us. Jeanine’s sisters, one from Georgia and the other from Kentucky, were there as well as our old friend Ross Donohue from northern Virginia.
Krystal, Jamie and Allison were apparently the ring leaders. They and their crew did an outstanding job. We had a great meal. Doug and Jamie really broke in the new smoker we got for the lake with 80# of brisket. It was delicious too. Of course, we will be eating the leftovers for a while. Anyone have any creative ideas of things you can make with brisket? I like bologna and ham salad. What do thing brisket-salad would be like?
Fifty years is a long time to be married, particularly in this day and time. In spite of all the ups and downs it has been a good life… one that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m hoping for more years with my lovely wife, though I don’t think I’ll make another 50. As previously stated, I am very humbled by the outpouring of love that we received this weekend. I truly thank each and every one who had a hand in it. You will never know how much all of you mean to us!