The lovely woman in the flower print jacket held the Sharpie marker in her right hand. In the white border on the top edge of the poster sized photo collage she wrote, “Just another day in Paradise.” She then turned the pen over to the distinguished gentleman in the blue blazer. On the other side of the words “Happy 50th!” he wrote, “Every night is New Year’s Eve!”
Fifty years after sharing their wedding vows at St. Anthony’s Church in Syracuse John Mulcahy and Theresa McIntyre were signing their own golden anniversary card. The phrases they spontaneously chose gave some insight into the perspective and sense of humor they have brought to five decades together. The joy on the faces spoke to the love in the room as they gathered our family to mark the occasion.
My Dad raised a glass to thank everyone for coming to this Sunday champagne brunch. The occasion fell at a similar hour to their wedding reception on Saturday, May 12th 1962. The simplicity of their post-nuptial brunch is a useful reminder to those tempted by excess on their wedding day. A grander ceremony and reception provides no guarantee of a marriage that can happily last fifty years or more.
Back to that toast from Dad… he was simply trying to show his appreciation for everyone being together. It does not happen enough, but it does make each gathering even more precious. The tears welling up in Dad’s eyes and the catch in his voice were testament. He couldn’t help but chuckle to break the emotional moment.
After all Mom and Dad have shared fifty years of breakfasts, worries and laughs. They’ve shared travels, sadness and smiles. They’ve shared children, struggles and joy. This fifty year union brought everything from the peaks of a honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains to the challenges of cancer and infection.
Their accomplishment is unique. And one that becomes less likely to be matched by many in the future. People marry later and divorce more often than they did in 1962. Our culture has less regard for long lasting accomplishments.
Viewing all of the 50 years at once can be a bit overwhelming, maybe that’s why Mom and Dad have always chosen to take each day as they come. If indeed “Every night is New Year’s Eve” and “Another day in Paradise” than how can any married couple go wrong in attempting to reach that 50 year mark.
Happy 50th Mom and Dad! And, many more to come.
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