The sandwich board sign which led guests to the party read “60 Years of Love This Way.” Inside the barn, their grandchildren hung colorful globes from the ceiling as their great grandchildren played, dodging chairs and cakes and decorations.  This was a moment to celebrate.

As family and friends gathered in ever widening groups hugging and talking, it was made very clear–this diamond anniversary of their Nonnie and Papa was more than a chance to eat cake and reunion. This was a moment of commemoration, they said. It was a moment to affirm the very foundation of their family. This was a time to say thank you. To say, that everything they know about love, was learned by watching the love of their Nonnie and Papa.

The sign said “60 Years of Love This Way.”

60 years of love, how? It was expressed over and over.

Sixty years of love, this way: through faith in the Lord -through sacrificial living -through dedication -through laughter, tears, scars, healing, forgiveness, memories and never ever forgetting to fight veraciously for each other. For better or worse.

The party was beautiful, but I can’t outrun these simple pictures taken before the main event.

Oh, how they are loved by their family.

Oh, how they love each other.

[blogshow id=82ed player=0 autoplay=0 toolbar=1]