A Day to Remember . . .

This has been a phenomonal weekend for Jim and me. So great because we had nothing to do with the planning or execution of events. We went into the weekend just like any other with jobs around the house to do; hopefully some relaxing after that, etc. We thought we would wash all of our windows on Saturday if the weather was nice (it wasn't); had planned to attend an outdoor jazz concert in Iowa City with JustAnn (which was canceled due to the not-so-nice weather); and then made last-minute plans when the concert-thing fell through to enjoy pizza out at a new place with our friends Kristin and Delane. All of these things had just fallen into place, or so we thought . . .

We had a great time with Kristin and Delane eating our Bohemian pizza (ham, pineapple, and sauerkraut!) outside at a little place in Czech Village, enjoying our drinks, laughing and chatting with others nearby, enjoying the cool evening air. We headed home for a hot tub soak . . . or so we thought.

As we walked into the house, both of us mentioned that we smelled coffee (I'm always setting the pot to turn on automatically for the next morning), and I wondered if I had set up the coffee pot for the wrong time?? Then I thought I saw some things on the table that I hadn't left there, and then we heard "SURPRISE!!" and friends appeared from out of nowhere! Both of us blanked - what were we celebrating?! I had already had a little family surprise birthday party on May 22 when I turned 60; and Jim will be 60 on July 13 . . . but this was June 6 . . . part of the plan! Our kids - Jorie and Annie and their husbands had thrown together a joint 60th birthday party for us in the month BETWEEN our birthdays to throw us off. The really fun part was looking around to see who was there - Jim and Sue from St. Charles, IL; Glenn and Judy from Wheaton, IL; my sister Ruth and brother-in-law, John from Elgin, IL; and many other wonderful friends that we have made here in Cedar Rapids through work and church. Friends were present that we didn't even realize Jorie and Annie knew about! They did a great job inviting all of those we would have wanted to be there.

It was such a surreal feeling - we had been gone only about 2 hours, and there were flower bouquets, picture collages of Jim and me taken during the past 6o years; lots of food, punch, wine, and a beautiful cake. Cards, gifts, hugs, smiles . . . it was such fun to take it all in! We even had a video clip from Jason and Anni sent from Tanzania wishing us a Happy Birthday!

Champagne was poured all around and the Jorie, Mark, Annie, and Justin each gave a toast honoring us - telling something that each of them loved and appreciated about us as their parents. It was a very beautiful and humbling experience; especially when I know my daughters well enough to realize speaking in front of a crowd does not come easy.

60 years . . . for some that is an entire lifetime. For others it is a dreaded number. Though some aspects of aging are things I would choose to avoid if given the choice, there is nothing more fulfilling than having been blest with children. Children who love us, enjoy us, respect us, and choose to be with us. Children who have matured into responsible adults who contribute so much in their careers and day to day relationships. Children who have given and continue to bless us with grandchildren whom we have the opportunity to nurture and love along with them. Children who love the Lord, know Him personally, and will be with us even in eternity. Our lives at 60 are fuller than they've ever been, and I am so happy that we were given this party, because celebrating this time in our lives is something we should do every day. We are so grateful for our precious family and friends. We will not forget this day - those who took the time to be here for us, to laugh with us, to celebrate with us, and to create even these new memories with us. This is a day we will remember . . . . at least as long as we are ABLE to remember . . .