Life had moved us on past our 25th anniversary.The kids were in on it – with not a whisper of anything unusual!  No slip ups.  We had already celebrated at a favorite restaurant – just the two of us.  It was lovely, we savored the moment.  Satisfied and content, we had moved into the next season.  We were now looking to the Lord as to how to He wanted us to spend our time with the new “Bible in 99 Days” series.  Seeking how we were to adjust to life after Denis’ stroke with a new diet and the prospect of Denis’ surgery on Tuesday (tomorrow).  Life had moved us on past our anniversary.  I was totally unsuspecting.

I imagine it will be like the initial hours in HeavenAs we walked through the door, the extravagant and lavish love from our family and friends was more than I could drink in.  I imagine it will be like the initial hours in Heaven; continually seeing more and more of the people dear to me who will be present to simply enjoy the moment together.  Their deep expressive looks of love will speak volumes about the times we cherished together.  The heartaches and joys experienced as we walked along beside each other through trials and triumphs.  On that day, I will continue to scan the crowd; each new face will bring back memories of special moments we shared.  Emotions will well up and my heart will be overflowing. 

Yesterday in the Parlor was like my imagined Heaven.  As I scanned the crowd of expectant faces, I saw so many cherished friends.  I started to realize the magnitude of love and effort that had been expended in planning and taking time out of busy schedules to celebrate our lives together.  I felt so unworthy.  I just wanted to cling to someone and get my bearings and Michael came forward to be that support.  I was so thankful for all the Lord has done for me.  Here I was with my husband, children and friends to love and share the moment.  Life just does not get better than that. 

I am not one to cry easily and there I was, totally overcome with emotion.  I would no sooner get control of myself and someone else would take me by surprise.  Denis stopped and asked me to marry him again – tears.  My sister, Vicki, showed up behind me as we were about to eat – tears.  There behind her was even more of my family!  Mom, BJ and Richard had come all that way to celebrate with us.  It just didn’t seem to stop.  I felt so honored and so special.

Everything seemed to fall into place effortlessly.  But we all know that nothing happens by chance.  It takes even more work to have it look effortless.  All these friends did not just happen to be there.  Each of you took time from your busy lives to celebrate ours.  Denis initiated the plan and had Joy who took the lead to make it happen – the mastermind.  Joy solicited help from the best.  Katy Barnhill prepared and presented lunch.  Ask anyone – I am a Katy Barnhill wannabee.  Kathleen Martin created the ambiance spending untold hours arranging flowers and designing the Parlor and Sanctuary.  It was all perfect.  How they got me to wear that suit was beyond me.  I felt that I had picked it out myself! 

Everything fell into place.  Karen Richardson was the photographer and made sure all things were captured for our enjoyment.  Abby and Curtis Snook entertained us through music.  Leslie Swift designed the invitations.  Many others helped and I want to thank each of them by name: Heather June, Todd & Jamie Keyes, Anne Badanes, Mike & Lissa Cambron, Jill Schellhause, Susan Carson, Beth Swift, Bev Greene, Renee Hammond, Betty Porter, Cece and Mindy Giglio, Maddie & Bruce Barnhill, Mark Lawry, John Morabito, Loretta Miller, Terry Robinson and last but not least - John Howard!

Michael sang his own creation written just for DadThe memorable ceremony began with “Above All” and “Be Thou My Vision”.  Mariel proudly walked down the aisle as “flower girl” and Denis Jr. accompanied me down the aisle.  Pastor Godfrey and Ophelia participated with Ralph artfully conducting the ceremony.  Our children had their own surprise.  Michael and Denis sang, and then Michael sang his own creation written just for Dad, the biggest surprise of all causing Denis to shed a few of his own tears.   The music ended with Mariel doing a solo, and Patrick joining them all for the final song.  What a memory.  What proud parents.   Seeing our children growing and becoming the adults God uniquely created them to be.

As a bonus, we had our Christmas picture taken before we left the sanctuary!  No small feat!  I’m grateful it is covered.  But it was not over.  We were back in the Parlor for toasts and cutting the cake.  Not a detail was missed!  Denis Jr. gave a toast and my Mom  (Gram, photo right) gave a toast with a few tears keeping with the emotional theme.   The Lord graciously smiled down on us and gave us an absolutely beautiful day of sunshine and warm weather for which I am very appreciative!

Denis joins me in thanking you.  We love making memories.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your part in our celebration.  Our hearts are overflowing and we are humbled by the love we have received from each of you.  It doesn’t get better than this here on Earth.  I can only imagine what Heaven will be like!  We are grateful to be on the journey with you.

God bless you!
Love always,
Marianne and Denis

Daughter Mariel, Flower Girl

Ceremony in the Parish Center

The Beausejour Family

Mareil, Marianne and Denis

The Beausejour Family cut the cake together

Reception in the Parish Center