Whew! What a whirlwind trip! Kim and I had a BLAST celebrating her parents’ 50th anniversary with the friends in Florida. While they’re in FL, Ken and Darla live in a community that makes a big deal of reaching the 50th anniversary. Families and friends are invited, scrapbooks are assembled, full of pictures and letters from friends through the years, and there’s lots of partying! We had a big lunch Saturday afternoon, followed by a renewal of their vows, cutting of the cake, and no wedding re-enactment would be complete without a DJ/wedding singer!
Three special highlights:
1. Hearing stories of the old days–A few of the people who came to celebrate have known Ken and Darla just about forever. Talking with them gave me a window into the past, and a glimpse of what transformation has looked like in their life.
2. Walking Darla down the aisle–24 years ago Kim’s dad walked down the aisle and gave me the best gift of my life. 50 years ago Pap George did the same for him. Last Saturday night I got to escort his bride to his side. It was all I could do to hold back the tears!
3. Pirate City–You’ll not find a bigger Bucco fan in all the world than my father-in-law Ken. As the chaplain of the Spikes (one of the Pirates’ minor league affiliates) I know a few guys who are in Spring Training camp with the Bucs. My buddy Ryan Beckman was able to find time to give us a tour of the facility. Ken was as giddy as a middle school boy walking around the place! And in return, Beckman finds himself on Ken’s prayer list!
Throw in a delightful lunch & walk on the beach with some State College friends, mix in glorious amounts of sunshine, good food, and great conversation, and that makes for one wonderful weekend. We are most blessed by the example Kim’s our parents have set for us to follow, and grateful for their touch on our life.
Now, coming home to all this snow is another matter…
1 Comment
Marge · February 19, 2014 at 1:01 pm
Great recap Stacy & great pics! Fun walking the beach with you & your bride!