Scheidies column: 50 years, special weekend
Our kids, Cassie and Chris planned the celebration for months. Sept. 2, 2024, was the anniversary of 50 years of marriage for Keith and me. That was even hard to conceive. Yes, we had kids and even grown grandkids, but still — where did the time go?
We've lived through very good times and through some real tough times. That we were even around to celebrate was a miracle in itself.
Our wedding so long ago came after I had major replacement surgery. I had surgery to walk again after 10 years in a wheelchair. I had the, then, brand-new surgery of artificial knees. I had surgery to lengthen heel cords and something in my hips.
I went from a wheelchair to braces up to my waist and to crutches and then walking without aids. It was scary and wonderful that I was able to walk under my own power down the aisle to say our vows.
I've had lots of replacement surgeries, dealt with a major fall with head and other trauma, car accident injuries, and A-Fib. Keith has dealt with back problems, Stage-4 cancer, and a few other things. Yet, we're still here.
Marriage, career, two kids, and five grandchildren later and we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Because our actual anniversary is Sept. 2 and was not on a weekend, we celebrated Saturday, Aug. 31 at our church.
Our daughter Cassie, her spouse, and our two youngest, 5 and 7, grandchildren stayed with us. My sister and her daughter, our niece, came up from Kansas on Friday. Our sister-in-law, my brother's widow, lives just a few blocks from us.
Instead of all going to a restaurant in the evening, we set up chairs and a table on our front lawn, ordered KFC, and had a picnic. It was much better for the kids who could run and play and for their adorable puppy Wren, whom Cassie, Kurt and kids had recently adopted. They brought Wren with them to our home. It was a special evening.
The next morning Keith and I stayed home while the rest of them, including our son and our oldest grandson who arrived Saturday morning, headed to the church to help set up.
Our second oldest grandson had moved to California, and we didn't expect him. Our oldest granddaughter had so looked forward to coming, but she caught COVID-19 and had to stay home.
Cassie had a large sheet cake with 50th Anniversary on it. But she also ordered a small gluten-free cake for me (and anyone else who needed to be gluten-free) and a small vegan cake (for Chris and anyone else). Cassie even put together a quiz for our guests. Chris had put together a video using music from our wedding. He got it set up on the church's equipment.
When we arrived, I added our wedding and photo albums of our wedding on a table.
It was wonderful to greet and speak with our many and varied guests — family and friends. Some friends were newer while others we'd known since college days. We had our maid of honor and bridesmaid there as well as Keith's groomsman. (His brother Mark was best man, but he'd lost his life in 2020, but not from COVID.)
Our flower girl showed up, as did Carolyn, whose husband got me up and walking. She and Ken had been one of our host and hostesses at our reception. Their son had been our ring-bearer.
We ate cake and talked to so many wonderful individuals who took the time to celebrate with us. It was hard to say goodbye again to those we don't see often. Cassie and family, Karin and Kelly stayed over so we had a little more time with them.
We all said goodbye early Sunday morning as Karin and Kelly headed south to their homes in Kansas. Cassie and Kurt headed east to Omaha while Keith and I headed to church.
As I put together an album of cards and pictures, I smile. We have been so blessed. Who knew God would give us this time and surround us with caring family and friends.
How can I not be thankful? My advice: treasure each day. Look for God's blessings along the way, even during the tough times. Remember and give thanks.
Carolyn R. Scheidies is a Kearney resident and regular contributor to the Hub.
