Laugh As Much As You Breathe

"Laugh as much as you breathe, Love as long as you live"

These are the words inscribed on the beautiful frame that was given to us by our daughters and their families for our anniversary.

The evening of the 15th came along with much excitement this year. On other anniversaries, we have worked or been traveling to a speaking appointment. This year, we had the privilege of being home for the big day. Church was exciting, as our new pastor preached and the service was followed by a luncheon and a special honoring of our 44 years by the "saints." We came home for a short rest, and then got ready for a long awaited evening "out" at a very special place in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Mountain Annie's is a place that offers special dinners and accompanying theaters performances by well-known musicians. We had heard that the trio of musicians, performing on the 15th were extra special, and we were excited to experience a "dress-up" night out.

When we arrived we spent about half an hour listening to other musicians on the patio, and then time for dinner was announced. We headed into the theater and found our assigned table - table ten. There we were greeted by others at the table who said excitedly, "You two must be the anniversary couple! Look at these things that were brought to the table for you!"

There on the table sat a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a picture frame inscribed with the above words. Propped against the vase of flowers was a tiny envelope labeled, "Mom and Dad." We opened the envelope to read:

"Happy 44th!!! We love and are proud of you and your years together"
Your Girls, Sara & ‘Omi, along with the sons & grandchildren!
XO XO

WOW!!! Our evening began with tears, not laughter, but they were tears of joy - joy and gratitude for the gift that God gave us 41 and 40 years ago - our beautiful girls, and for the gifts of our "sons" and grandchildren along the way.

There has not always been laughter, certainly not continuously, but even in our deepest pain we did find a few things to laugh about, now and then. The older we get, the more we realize that as Art Linkletter often said, "People are funny!" Our responses to the circumstances of life are often comical when we look back on them. How foolish we have been trying to get our needs met; how selfish and me-centered we have behaved. What a waste. Too soon old and too late smart, but better late than never.

So girls and family, you are so right.

"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live"- do that which is in the best interest of another, regardless of your feelings. And thank you so much for the gift of your love, so beautifully displayed on our 44th!

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