November 15th was always a special day in our house as it was my parent’s wedding anniversary. They got married in 1948 and lived to see their 60th anniversary. They were never into mad celebrations and parties but the anniversary was a very significant day in the family calendar and they exchanged gifts, often went out to lunch, talked about their wedding day and we kids gave them presents from when we were tiny.
So November 15 is a date that is etched in my genes, memory and heart and I feel it is important to prepare for such days, as they inevitably bring a flood of memories which could be sad or which with a bit of pre-planning can be harnessed and celebrated.
I had a little brainstorming session about possibilities while out for a walk in the lovely Anne Valley here in Co. Waterford early this morning and here’s the menu that emerged to celebrate what would be their 65th anniversary.
1. Pay a visit to both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Cathedrals in Waterford City, which were designed by renowned architect John Roberts ( 1712-1796). My parents got married in the Catholic Cathedral but Mother remained very much a member of the Church of Ireland all her life.
2. Have a coffee in the Majestic Hotel in Tramore where they held their small wedding reception. http://www.majestic-hotel.ie/
3. Plant Spring bulbs in the much-loved blue pot which they bought in the gorgeous Kiltrea Pottery Shop near Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford many years ago. http://www.kiltreapottery.com/
4. Google November 15th, 1948 and find out what was going on around the world that day.
5. Go ahead and sign up for Tango Dance classes after all these years! Father would be all for it as he was a whizz on the dance floor and Mother would laugh and say: Enjoy yourself and forget that you had a mother with two left feet!’
So, how do you celebrate special days in the lives of loved ones who have died?
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 