When Mary and John got married they went to the Costal Caverns for their honeymoon. They vowed that they would return there  every year for their anniversary. This was their fiftieth anniversay, and they had never missed a single year. They knew in their hearts that it was called the golden anniversary for a very good reason. They had indeed spent fifty very loving, and happy, and golden years together. When they sat down to eat dinner at the restaurant that night John told Mary that she looked more beautiful every year. I cannot believe the happiness that you have brought to my life. I thank the Lord everyday of my life for all that we have shared over the years. It has been my honor to be with you through all of what life has had to offer. All of the good and wonderful times, the times of worry and pain, the times of not knowing what was going to happen next, and oh my goodness, the children. I could have never asked for three more perfect, and more beautiful children than the ones you have given me. Watching you be the mother of my children has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. There is no way to count all the wonderful blessings that have been bestowed upon me in my life with you! Mary lowered her head as two small tears fell from her eyes. Please don't cry my love, John said as he took her petite hand in his. But John, she said. These are tears of joy, for everything you have just told me describes the way you have filled my life with love, and happiness all of these wonderful years that I have been with you. I could never want, or need, or ask for more than what you have given me. Never in a million years. These have been the best years of my life. My only wish is that you know in your heart how I feel. I have this present for you John. It is not a store bought gift. It is a gift of love. Each and every day since the frist day we married fifty years ago, I wrote the one thing you did for me each and every day, the kindest and sweetest thing you did each day for me that stood out amongst all the rest. I wrote it all into a book for you to read. So you see honey, you have an awful lot of reading to do now.It has become quite a large book you know. Even though fifty years has passed, the book can never be complete, as there is no way possible for there ever to be enough days in a lifetime to describe all that you are, and all that you have been to me. Mary my dear, this is a most precious and special book to me. I will read each and every one of the things you have written especially for me. It will be the pleasure of my lifetime. Mary saw Johns lip quiver. She knew at that moment how touched John was with the book. I want you to know I have something very special for you as well. Do you remember the first time we went swimming here on our honeymoon? You found that lovely pink shell with the tiny pearl inside. I remember how I told you that one day, maybe by the time we had been married for fifty years, I could get it made into a beautiful pearl necklace for you. We didn't even have any money back then. I decided to hang on to it all these years for a special surprise on this day. John handed Mary a box wrapped in pink. Inside the box was the necklace that Mary had dreamed of on their honeymoon. John placed the beautiful pearl necklace around Marys neck. Neither one could speak. They ate their dinner as they gazed into each others eyes just like they did on their honeymoon. Just like the kids in love that they were on the day of their wedding! After dinner, they walked on the shore of Costal Caverns hand in hand. In their minds they knew no one could ever understand their special love and what their life had meant to them for all these years. No one could ever understand that what they had together was for sure a special gift, A Celebration of Love!

A Celebration of Love

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Written by: S. Matheson 10/28/2004