Moving Forward – A 50th Anniversary and More

Mom and Dad 1966
Mom and Dad 1966

 

It’s been mighty quiet around these parts lately. It’s school vacation week in Massachusetts and my neighborhood seemed like a ghost town.

While low key, my week had some highlights. Some higher than others, but even the small moments were meaningful. It may sometimes feel like we are standing still, but we are always still moving forward.

A Week in the Life…

  • We celebrated the confirmations of two lovely young ladies whom we’ve known since they were toddlers. As I watched them stand amongst more than 70 of their peers, I couldn’t help but think about time gone by. With Julia by my side, I realized she was just a year away from being part of this mature group. I felt nostalgic.
  • Speaking of Julia, she started her first real job. I couldn’t believe it when I dropped her off and said, “Have fun at work.” Where did my little 4 pound preemie go? Her life is moving forward so quickly, I can’t keep up.  I felt emotional.
  • I unloaded years’ worth of old magazine issues in which I had published articles. I’d collected multiple copies of cover stories and other contributions that I was particularly fond of. My house was overrun with magazines and it finally came time to sort through everything and let go of the extras. This was oddly hard to do – it’s as if a piece of me was in each publication no matter if I had one copy or ten, but I got the job done. I felt satisfied and a little unsure.
  • By far, the most impactful thing we did was celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. My sister, Karla, and I planned a lot of fun activities for the evening. We reminisced over old music, photographs and stories that we’ve been told before, but since forgotten. But most significant, was my parents’ telling of what has made their marriage work. “Compromise,” they agreed. We didn’t ask them to elaborate; we just listened and appreciated the message. I felt proud.
Mom and Dad still going strong and moving forward
Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad 2016

 

No, we didn’t travel anywhere warm and exotic this vacation, yet I still came away from it feeling uplifted. Several opportunities to look at the past left me sentimental, but happy and ready to be moving forward to a bright future. All in all – a good week.

I hope yours was a good one too.

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Betsy
7 years ago

Great article about your parents. Loved Ginny and Jim’s wedding picture, they are a great couple.

Jen K
7 years ago

Your parents are awesome!!! Such great photos!!! Congrats to 50 yrs!!!!

Ginny
7 years ago

Thanks Beth, I love your blog

Marge Romano
7 years ago

Congratulations to Ginny and Jim on their 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Carolyn
7 years ago

Awesome Beth????????

Teresa Hamlin
7 years ago

Beth – I love your blog and look forward to each new post! Congratulations to Ginny and Jim on their 50th Anniversary – they are truly inspiring!!