Sunday, May 20, 2012

50th Anniversary!!!

So I've been procrastinating on posting this blog post but I figure it's past due...I have a hard time putting my feelings down on paper. (I am not one that has a creative writing bone in my body.)  I have such deep gratitude for the amazing family I was born into.  I know that each person feels that their family is the BEST, but I appreciate the opportunity to share my feelings about mine.  I have had a lot of spiritual experiences over the past year since my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ocular Melanoma of the Liver.  I have always HATED the 'C' word and think it is one of the most awful words that one can hear.  It's a word that really doesn't have much meaning until someone you love is diagnosed with it.  Then all of a sudden it's a very dark and scary word.  

We had no idea how long my dad would be here.  Most people diagnosed with this type of cancer has a life expectancy of 2-7 months and only 15% of people with this type of cancer live 12 months.  There are many thoughts that enter one's mind when they hear news like this.  All I can say is that time became more precious and the things that I thought were important at the time became less important.  Here we are a year later and he is still with us...for how much longer we are not sure.  One thing is for sure...we have seen the miracle!!

Now about the 50th!!

My sister and I had been talking for the last couple years about how mom and dad's 50th anniversary was coming up.  My mom has dreamed about their 50th for a long time, and for her sake I am extremely grateful Heavenly Father left Dad here to see their 50th.  We started planning the big party back in January and it couldn't have been pulled off without all of my siblings!! 

April 13th was a beautiful evening, very special for our family.  There was an overwhelming amount of support and we appreciate everyone's love and prayers for our family and especially for my Dad!!!


The whole Famn Family...minus our 2 missionaries


The quilt we gave our parents.

The cake topper is their original cake topper from 50 years ago!




I love them more than words can say...

This was my favorite moment of the evening...

5 comments:

Unknown said...

This is so sweet! You really do have an amazing family and I feel blessed to know them. I love you Aunt Tiff!

cturley said...

Your family & you did an Amazing job! Love your parents!!

d.jo said...

Oh, that makes me cry! I'm so glad it was such a beautiful evening and that your parents were able to share such a special time together. Good job to all of you for making it happen. I wasn't able to go to the party because I was so far in my pregnancy and not allowed to go up the mountain, but I still have the announcement on my fridge--it's just too pretty to take down, and it's something that gives me hope--to see a couple make it 50 years in a world like this. They're living the dream and they inspire so many people. They know what home and family means and they make others want to be better. I love Uncle Lewis and Aunt Mary--they are both true angels on earth. I hope your dad has many more beautiful days with all of you--it hurts to know that his time is so limited, and I don't want him to be in pain, but I hope he can make it as long as possible. Isn't it crazy, though, that just thinking about how beautiful someone's life has been can make your heart hurt? I admire your family, your parents, and all of their kids. You're the best relatives anyone could ask for.

My parents have one of Uncle Lewis and Aunt Mary's 50th anniversary centerpieces on a shelf next to a Wanda Award in their living room. : ) It was a special night for everyone who got to go. My dad tears up every time he talks about Uncle Lewis. Uncle Lewis filled in like a father role for my dad in the years that my dad needed it the most. And I know that Uncle Lewis has done things like that for a lot of people. His influence is something that cannot be measured because there are simply way too many "ripples" from all the "drops" of love and service he's given to so many people throughout his life. We love you all so much!

Shawna said...

I love your family. It was a great evening! I love the last picture...It says it all!

Kristal said...

I love your parents. They always treated me like i was one of their own kids when I was at your house. I'm sorry about the cancer thing. I hate it. I hate seeing what it does to the people we love. I hope you have a long time with your dad. All we can do is pray and trust in the Lord. I keep praying for Him and all of you. Love ya Tiff!