December 28, 1956

Fifty years ago today, we were married. It all began with a date in high school. Can you imagine getting engaged at the senior prom. Yes, that is what happened. I think our generation must have been more mature than the kids are today.

We married a year and a half later and the rest as they say is history. But what a wonderful history. Ned was attending the University of Houston studying Chemical Engineering. After Mike was born a year and a half later, he worked full-time and still carried a full academic load. We bought a little house, had another son, Gary. Then 16 months later, Doug joined the family. We bought a larger house. Church, family, work, children, friends, golf, cutting grass, buying groceries......the time passes with all the little pieces of life.

Here we are leaving the church after the wedding reception that was also at the church. As I've looked at the wedding pictures I'm struck by the differences that have occurred over 50 years. Yes, we have changed.....a lot. But I'm struck with the differences in our culture and customs. The wedding and reception was in the church we attended. It was lovely but it wasn't a break-the-bank wedding with designer dresses, seated dinner and dancing. A friend loaned me her wedding dress. My mother made my veil. My bridesmaids dresses were made by a seamstress or by their mothers. The reception was in the Fellowship Hall of the church. We had a receiving line....don't see that much anymore. Punch, coffee and cake were served. No alcohol, no dinner, no band, no dancing. That is the way weddings were done in our neighborhood 50 years ago.

This was my going away outfit. Every bride had to have a special going-away outfit. Mine was a charcoal gray wool suit, with black suede shoes and bag, a dusty pink velvet hat.....a well dressed lady always wore a hat to church and for special occasions. But the best thing I had was the gray mouton coat over my shoulder....a Christmas present from Ned just a few days earlier. And of course the corsage of sweetheart roses. Ned had a good looking sport jacket, white shirt and tie. Notice the handkerchief in his breast pocket.

It was an event that marked our commitment and love for each other.....before God, family, and friends. That was 50 years ago. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times it seems like 50 years ago......but the commitment and love for each other is still in the moment.