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Lots of “A Party” Photos
Rob and Penny on the rocks
So it’s May Day and no longer our anniversary month. Still, never too late for this story…
Long ago when we were kids, we met in an REI climbing class, fell in love and got married. This year on Easter Sunday—April 9th—we celebrated our 40th anniversary.
Many have asked, “What’s your secret to a long marriage together?” First, we both had to keep breathing and stay alive. That’s key.
On Earth Day, Cathedral Day, the Women’s Retreat and several of your birthdays—April 22nd—our kids threw us a party. People asked if we were going to renew our vows. Lord knows, we renew our vows on some level every day. We did sing Old 100th for a blessing in 4-parts to acknowledge how grateful we are. Our high-five at the end was one of my favorite “Amens” ever.
Four years ago, during Rob’s surgery to address stage 4 bladder cancer, I was alone in the hospital chapel. I held my palm out and pressed against the resistance I could feel from your prayers that were holding us. At our A(nniversary) Party, the net of love, kindness, and laughter was joyous and no less prayerful. Some of you were there in person; many more nearby and around the globe were in our hearts.
I am a fortunate girl. Hallelujah!
Here’s a collection of photos to give you a feel for it:
Our kids, Clarke and Carolina, Lead Musician and Leader of Frivolity, respectively
Rob raising his hand enthusiastically to say he’d been married for 40 years. Penny laughing.
And here’s when he was saying the same thing but not so enthusiastically. Penny still laughing.
Harmonizing “Be present at our party, Lord” to Old 100th
Our oldest guest, at 95, my mother
Our youngest guest, at 4 months, with his Grandpa
Having fun at the kids’ table
Dinner was scrumptious, thanks to Quarter Ton Events.
Quarter Ton Events owner behind the scenes with Chef Carrie and Sous Maddie
And what’s a party without cake?
There was Magic too. Our friend, Rick Swaney, had us spellbound.
Like I said, they were spellbound.
Riveted by Magic. “How does he do that?”
Phew! We’re compatible. We each picked half cards that completed each other.
And The Cumbieros! Great live cumbia music for dancing, with Clarke on the keys.
It’s been a while since I’ve led the conga line at last call.
We had Carolina’s Little Devils helping us with whatever we needed, including kisses.
So much love and care helping Mom down the stairs. A nurse, EMT, daughter and nephewall lended a hand.
After Party: Installing bees at the cathedral the very next day
Cathedral apiarist on the move
Instead of gifts, we asked for optional donations to St Mark’s Cathedral or nonprofit of choice. Still, our mantel is packed with cards and well-wishes. Thanks, everyone.
If you’ve read this far, maybe you’re wondering where the Photo Booth pics are. Stay tuned.
Also, many thanks to Kevin Johnson, Pam Reid, Melissa Pittz, Anne Reid, and others for helping us illustrate the festivities with these photographs.
Always Bridging 
A shindig indeed worthy of your 40 years of love! And magic is certainly one of the secret ingredients — how appropriate that it was included.
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So beautiful and meaningful! Congratulations to you both on 40 years of marriage, and here’s to many more ❤️
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