anniversary

Most people know this as Pearl Harbor Day. For our family it has a different significance. Sixty-two years ago was Mom and Dad's wedding day.

Possibly they did not even realize they were being married on the first anniversary of such a momentous event. Not that it did not affect them. Dad was actually on leave from the army at the time he married and was soon to be on his way to North Africa.

I am not sure that Mom will even realize what day it is. In the nursing home they all blend in together. In fact I don't even know if I want her to remember. This is the first anniversary since his death.

She no longer remembers the funeral. The first few times I visited she kept asking for details about it. She wanted to know who was there and what the flowers were like. She was disappointed that she could not remember. The last time I was there the most life she showed was when a tall man with white hair walked by and she thought he was Dad and called out to him.

I can't remember Mom and Dad ever making a big todo about their anniversary. Dad was never very big on celebrating events of any type. But two years ago we gave them a small party for their sixtieth anniversary. It was just an open house but there were a lot of visitors and Mom took a lot of joy from it. When we were planning it we wondered if they were going to be up to it. I am really glad now that they had that.

Posted by Bill Hopkins on December 7, 2004 09:45 AM
Comments

I hope to do something like that for my parents someday.

Posted by: Willful Exposé at December 8, 2004 03:18 PM

Celebrating 60 years together is a monumentous milestone. It's good to know they marked the occasion.

It sure must be tough on you and your wife, Bill.

Posted by: Leslie at December 9, 2004 11:17 AM

My Mom's BD was yesterday, She would have been 81 and my Dads Bd is on the 18th He would have been 84. It is hard to lose your parents especially at this time of year. You will get through this though. I promise. And you will be able to laugh again. God Bless, Bill

Posted by: mary lou at December 9, 2004 02:22 PM

I remember my wonderful great Grandmotehr fadding away like that. We kept her at home and took care of her there but it was hard. after awhile she forgot who we were. I remember her being bright and out going before she got alzhimers.

Posted by: Girl Gone Gardening at December 9, 2004 09:09 PM

Just stopping in to wish you a good weekend, Bill.

Posted by: Leslie at December 11, 2004 10:49 AM