This would be their 69th wedding anniversary today. April 1st!! I don't know why they chose that date, I'll have to ask my Aunt June sometime. It probably had to do this the war and leave that my dad could get. I know that they were married in the Luthern Church, and had the reception in my grandparents home. They killed the chickens they had, put together all the sugar ration coupons that they could find to make a cake, Uncle Bill surprised them by getting leave and attending, and my Aunt Doris was in a car accident on the way to the wedding. Other than that I guess it was a normal wedding for those days.
We celebrated BIG for their 50th wedding anniversary. Sent out "wedding" style invitations, secured the Country Club, and had FUN!!
I think about 80 people came for all over. It was a mini reunion for our Hillside Church friends, all the relatives came and many new friends that they had made after their move to Hilton Head, South Carolina.
And we planned!! And had a program! All the grandkids "performed" and Rob and I had a great time getting the show on the road.
For our opening all of the Williamson children and grandchildren sang "Ruthie, Ruthie", a song that Rob and I made up and put to the tune of "A Bicycle Built for Two"
Then, because we were new to the RAP scene, we spent hours developing a rap which the Nordberg and Fox kids delivered, the boys dressed up in my dad's officer uniforms and the girls wore army caps. Here is a partial offering:
"We are the clan and we're here with the truth
About the early days of Ev and Ruth
Now Captain Ev was really neat
He wave to Ruth from the pilots seat
I'm off to England but I'll be back soon
I'll marry you neath the April moon
The weeding was set for April 1
But planning mistakes were some of the worst
Warnamakers sent the wrong wedding dress
So back to the store went the maid in distress
The flowers were few and there was no food
Doris and Astrid were in a mood
So into the kitchen shot Mae in a a flash
Chicken and pastries she prepared for the bash
Awaiting the bride, the guests sat still
When into the church burst brother Bill
He was back from the war, a surprise for the bride
So tears of joy his sister cried
And 5 more verses after that! The grandkids were spectacular!
Then because Rob and I were doing a lot of barbershop at our church for dessert nights, we decided to have a barbershop made up of my uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, Ethan, old friend and the husband of another cousin
This time the tune was "In the Good Old Summer Time" And we made up lyrics that described their first home in Hobb, New Mexico, where my dad was stationed instructing pilots! Not much there in Hobbs, New Mexico but they were happy.....cooking in a coffee maker! Don't ask me how she did it.
My sister Joan, composed a poem which Joey, Bobby and Laura recited.
"We have a poem to tell you...of people we love a lot.
They were married 50 years ago...that is where we'll start.
They are our Grandparents...and we know they love us too.
You ask us how we know they love us...well, sit back and we'll tell you.
They love to see us laughing; and dancing in the rain;
and even when we lose our shoes..they love us just the same.
They love to hear us singing...
They love to see us smile...
They love the way we take each day in our own unhurried style.
They're happy when we're happy; and sorry when we're sad,
and even though it may now show...They love us when we're mad.
They love us when we act so brave; when we fall and hurt our knee.
They love to watch us sleeping,
tucked away in our dreams.
They love to hear us whisper...
all our great plans and our schemes.
They love to see us deep in thought; They love to watch us play.
And though we're sure we'll never know....they love us more each day.
So, we think we're pretty lucky to be part of this special day.
We are glad, Grandma and Grandpa....
everything worked out this way.
Ethan and Kristen performed a "Praise Melody" on the violin and flute.
The 26 friends from Hillside Church sang a Blessing song.
Liz, Joan and I each gave a tribute.
And Ethan sang the finale...."Can You Feel the Love", from Lion King.
My folks were part of the Greatest Generation. And they certainly contributed to that honor. They loved each other through some tremendous difficulties, dying within a month of each other.
I'm so glad we honored them 19 years ago. It does seem like yesterday when Rob and I were sitting around the dinner table developing lyrics and and encouraging everyone to participate and loving them on their very special day!
