The Celebration-
What is it that people want out of this life? What makes people smile, giggle, laugh out loud? The answers are all over the board. What pleases one may not make any sense to another. What tickles one may seem super silly to others. That means it is difficult to make a list that would answer those questions.
However, I would like to take a shot at some possible responses. Let's begin with the first question. What do people want out of life? Actually the answer is quite simple. Most desire a job that pays enough to have a home, enough to pay the bills and buy groceries. A little left over for fun activities. Maybe a ballgame. Or an occasional concert. Enough to take that special someone to dinner. Or the kids for ice cream on a hot, muggy day.
Other possibilities include someone to share life with. Someone to listen without judgment. Someone to hold when storms surround. Someone to appreciate and respect our accomplishments. To welcome us home. To share special times. And, of course, dear friends. What would this life be like without those special folks who brighten our life simply by walking into our space. Those people who love us even when we are most unloveable. Who rejoice in our victories and cry with us when our lives fall apart. These folk fill the void that often overwhelms us. And when we are at our lowest point, they remind us that we are worthy. That we have much to give. That it isn't always about us.
These are the people who celebrated our 50th with us. These precious people who share pieces of our lives. Together we have made many memories. We have taken trips together, attended concerts and graduations, accompained choirs, borrowed reading glasses, cried together when life hurt. These are the ones who brighten our day. Who laugh with us until our sides are sore. This wonderfully diverse group of people fill us up. Each brings something quite unique to our relationship.
So, yes, we celebrated our 50th anniversary this weekend. Fifty years with one person. Quite a feat in today's world. Ups and downs. Laughter and tears. Anger and quiet. Compassion and no compassion. All the emotions that make us human merged together. Yet, we have held steady. We have worked through challenging times. When I look back, I can honestly say it has been good. So good.
We had a party. Invited friends and family. Worked and worked in our yard. Tended the plant beds. Added compost. Trimmed shrubs-all except the ones with nests. Those are quite overgrown now. We painted the deck. Planted flowers. Mopped the floors. Dusted the furniture. Ordered good food. Bought wine. Lots of wine. We hoped for a sunny day. Even a cloudy one. However, that was not to be.
As time drew near for the party to begin, clouds began to turn that dark shade of blue that signals a storm. So we took the party inside. Folks visited. I remember laughter. And then the sky opened and the rains came. Over an inch of liquid sunshine. We continued to party. A bolt of lightening caused a car alarm to start. The owner turned it off inside the house. At some point I realized the house was much hotter than it should be. When the bolt of lightening turned the car alarm on, it must have done something to the air conditioner. Yes, repairs were necessary. Expensive repairs. Yet, the party continued.
At one point I heard my piano. Someone was playing. Downstairs I hurried. There I found my friend entertaining guests. Nothing to do but join her on the bench. We played three hands for quite a little bit. Such fun. Such memories of us playing in church. I admit I was a bit rusty, but kept up most of the time. A few choice words did escape my lips as I worked to keep up with her. She is a wonderful pianist. I am average. Together we make it work.
More rain as people began to leave. While most drove off our lawn and onto the road with no problem, a couple became stuck in the mud. Mud that wasn't there when they arrived. Mud that presented itself as the rains poured from the sky. Husband retrieved the Kabota and chain and wearing rain gear and boots, began to pull people onto the driveway. Not exactly what we had in mind for our party. Memories!
One vehicle was in too deep. Time to call a tow truck. Is that what you call it? Anyway, it took quite a long time for it to arrive. After much work, the car was successfully pulled to the driveway, and the poor people finally got to depart our yard. The party continued. And as it continued, I thought about what people truly want.
It is my belief that people want love, respect and acceptance more than anything money could buy. People want the warmth of a smile when others see them. They want a friendly greeting. They need to know that others enjoy their company. None of these can be bought. Not with cash, check or credit card. These things come from the heart. These things are given away to others from hearts full of gratitude for life itself. Filling our lives with friends and family makes our life worth something. Walking through my house watching and listening to those who came to celebrate with us, I was reminded again how precious life is. How grand it is to share life with others. I saw eyes sparkle and shine with lovely greetings. I heard laughter floating across the rooms. What delight. What absolute delight.
Yes, I truly believe that what we all need is a large dose--a tablespoon full-of love. Of acceptance. Of respect. Heaped up and overflowing so that our joy in living touches all those we meet. I felt those things in my home. I felt loved. I felt respected. I felt accepted. Those are the things I wish for others to feel. To know that they are valued.
Eventually the evening ended. People were hugged and thanked for helping us celebrate our special day. Dishes were stacked for another day. Cards were read again. Gifts were placed with cards ready for thank-you's to be written. Exhausted, we made our way to bed. Naturally sleep did not come. I was way too excited to allow myself to fall to sleep. I wanted to remember it all. To relive moments with people. To be grateful for it all.
We are so blessed. We made memories with delightful people who call us friend. What more could we possibly ask?
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