Happy Anniversary!

Me: Why don't we celebrate your 60th wedding anniversary?

Mama: Hindi na. (No, thank you.)

(After a few weeks)

Me: Why don't we ask a few of your friends for dinner at a local restaurant?

Mama: Sino? (Who?)

(After a few more weeks)

Me: I found this place that could accommodate 25 guests.

Mama: Eh paano kung mas marami? (What if I have more people in mind?)

Evidently, her mas marami meant 50 guests, which turned into 80, which meant inviting si ano...at si ano pa... which made us move from a small venue to a larger hall.  And to our dear relatives, the 60th wedding anniversary of Tito Amor and Tita Eve was reason enough to book a flight or take off from work because the celebration was truly the much-delayed family reunion on both sides.

The 21st of September is their 60th wedding anniversary, and the family will celebrate with good food (Peking duck, prepared three ways!) But all of us will remember the special gathering of the Estrellas and Sebastians, who knew how to sing, dance, and party--all during the middle of the day, and without any alcohol!

We have been fortunate in many ways, and celebrating was a great way to remember--the many relatives who have helped us this past year, the many friends who've accompanied our family these past decades, and the immeasurable, often unnoticed blessings our Lord has showered on us.  We are truly grateful.