Happy 59th!

This past weekend we celebrated my Grandparent’s 59th Anniversary.  I had kind of been planning to have a semi-big party to celebrate (thinking it was their 60th…oops!), but then Deda took a fall and we nearly lost him.  The entire family gathered at the hospital to say our goodbyes to a man who wasn’t even there mentally due to brain swelling.  Once he pulled through he didn’t even remember we had been there the day before.  After all that drama we decided that perhaps a small family affair would be best.  It was nice to spend those hours together though it is difficult to see how quickly Deda is declining in physical health, though thankfully his mind is sharp again and he is in good spirits.

Here are some pictures from the day (mostly courtesy of my uncle):

We tried to get pictures of everyone, but the kids were tired and everyone was looking different directions.  Apparently Deda was the only one paying attention here.  You’ll notice he struggles to hold his head up.  His hands and feet are so swollen and his arms are useless.  He is unable to even scratch an itch on or in his nose, but he’s not afraid to ask you to!

He’s getting tired of pictures here :)  And so is Josiah!

My cousin Michelle.  She’s a great caregiver for Deda.  Great picture!

Aunt Margie getting some Elijah lovin’!  He pretty much slept through the party, but he made up for it that night!

Such cutie pies!  They have so much fun together.  They may as well be brother and sister because she always tells on him and he screams and fusses when she won’t leave him alone, but when they are apart they miss one another.

Poor Josiah was SO tired he kept cuddling with us and hugging our legs when we were standing.  Here, though you can’t see it, he had ripped up pieces of napkin that were the “load” for his dump truck.  He played with that for quite awhile.

    Michelle is a baby lover!  I like when she’s around at family events because I have a reliable baby sitter.

Silly girl!  She dressed herself this day and was very proud of the outfit.  She didn’t match at all but she thought she did because she had purple shorts and a touch of purple in Ariel’s hair, but they were totally different shades.

And last, but not least…a loving Grandma.

I’ve learned so much from Gram and Deda through the years, both about the kind of person I want to be and also about the kind of commitment it takes to be married for nearly 60 years.  They are both tough but incredibly giving people who would do anything for anyone.  I have never doubted their love for me or the faith they have in me.  To try to describe them accurately and completely is useless, but it would be clear if you knew them.

Happy Anniversary!  I love you!