Once upon a heart's desire.....: Our Silver Celebration!

Celebrating February 27, 1993

I had been pondering for more than a year how we could create a celebration that would do justice to this epic landmark in our lives, our 25th wedding anniversary. Curtis and I were fully in love and committed to each other at my parents' 25th anniversary in October, shortly after we had met in July of '92. He was there with our family and friends, giving me the opportunity to introduce him to everyone important and special to our family.

Now here we are, 25 years later, celebrating our own! I tried to talk Curtis into taking the entire family to Colorado for our first ski trip, but he loathes the cold, and going in February it is bitter cold on the Breckenridge slopes. I envision slope side accommodations where the older kiddos can stroll to and fro from the slopes and the littles and I can stay back at the cabin building snow men, sledding little hills, warming up by the fire before nap time, and preparing huge dinners before the others arrive home for the day. Then, date nights on the town for the older crowd while teens get babies down for bedtime and watch movies, and at least one girls' shopping day down the quaint main street with long visits at the local coffee bar before calling it a day. Yep, I've planned this thing out, and all but booked the home I want for it. It's one of those all or nothing trips where everybody has to come, and they're all game for it! We've even talked about doing this over Christmas one year, but again, the temps are bitter that time of year, as in 8 degrees.

For plan B, we started making plans for a gala downtown Fort Worth in which we'd invite everyone in our history that participated in anchoring us to the truth when times got rough. Those that prayed for us, counseled us, or encouraged us along the way. We wanted to honor them, and take the opportunity to introduce the children to these special people the Lord placed along out pathway to get us here today. The girls and I took a Saturday back in November to tour local venues and see what's come available in the last decade. We found treasures, places to bookmark for upcoming special events for our family, but our favorite, by far, was the historic Ashton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. We liked it so much that we booked an appointment with the event coordinator and took Curtis back to see it.

Eugene modeling a table for us.

We stopped by Buon Giorno Coffee to see Madison, and take her break with her.

The trip back with Daddy and Madison to see it again.

Though that plan sounded like a dream, the timing became precarious as the date to book it drew closer. There are many changes happening with Curtis' company, and some would require travel, as well as welcoming those that would travel to Texas to do business, and those dates couldn't be secured before booking the Ashton. In what seemed like a disappointing setback, we decided not to go with the Ashton Gala for which we'd need formals, decide on menu options, and seek a DJ or local band. In the end, we decided to celebrate with the children. They were the ones who directly benefited from our stayed union anyway, and knew first hand the challenges we endured to come this far. Curtis and I wanted them to know the gravity of such a commitment, and the joy of choosing to stay no matter what. Holy matrimony between one man and one woman is a rare jewel in our day and time, and we feel gratitude and humility to have partaken in this race together.

Southlake Town Square boasts many fine restaurants, but one we like because of it's combined atmosphere and delicious food is Brio Tuscan Grille. We booked a private room near the outdoor veranda, and invited Papa (my daddy) to join us. Everyone dressed to the nines, and we took three hours to enjoy appetizers, main courses, and desserts, and celebrated our family. Curtis recited a poem he had written for the occasion, and Papa gave us a family heirloom set of crystal that had been in his father's family for more than 100 years, which will remain securely boxed up and hidden away until I own a curio cabinet to safely display such treasures.

The girls and I arrived early to set the table with shiny silver decor we had purchased at Hobby Lobby and baby's breath floral arrangements, complimented with white roses tied with silver sparkly ribbon. The huge silver Mylar "25" balloons told our story to everyone who served us that evening. It was dreamy, and filled my cup! What an honor!!

Setting the table.