Sixty Years

Yesterday, we returned to a community in which we used to live  (where I was formerly the pastor).  We attended the 60th wedding anniversary of two very special people there in the church.   They had a table with their photo albums, and obviously they have had anniversary celebrations all along;  actually, I think we also attended their 50th, though we no longer lived there at the time.  But there we were in their photo album.  We do remember that it was held at some location other than the church, though neither of us can remember exactly where.  We do recall that there was dancing.  It was held at some kind of a Fire Hall, I think.

If you put their current pictures side by side with the wedding pictures of 60 years ago, it is amazing how little they have changed.   The color of their hair has.  She has more lovely white hair now;  his is more salt and pepper. But for sure, they look in mighty good shape for their ages, and indeed they are.

Another thing I found amazing is that she was 18 years old when they got married, which to me seems so very very young.  But back then, of course,  it was common.  I have one other good friend who got married at 18 and is still married  (though more like 50 years, not 60).

So, Congratulations to the Jacksons!

We also saw many other familiar faces.  We have not been back to the church in the past ten years or so, so if you do not use names, they get buried deep.   I was amazed how many names I did remember, upon seeing their faces.

Many wanted to know about our daughter Vee, who spent her youth growing up in that church and community.

As I looked around at the church,  I could recall many changes of which I had been a part.  Those were good years, filled with many memories.