There are so many things I'm thankful to God about. One is, my life, the other one is having my parents still alive and kicking. Not only are they alive, they are both together and have been married for 54 years now. Yes, July 19th 2024 marked their 54th wedding anniversary. It is the wonderful work of the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes.
It is only the grace of God that has kept them together all these years, plus their commitment to stick to their marital vows of "for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in good health, till death do us part",
It was their choice to do together forever, or rather till death do them part. One of them could have easily walked away when the reality of the vows hit them, just like we see in some of today's marriages, but they didn't. They held onto this golden rule
what God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
Just like in every other marriage, theirs wasn't all bliss, bed of roses and lovey dovey all the time, no, there were difficult times, challenges, misunderstandings, quarrels, name it. But they looked beyond their differences, imperfections and worked out their marriage with faith and trust in God.
And I tell you, they raised generations of great men and women. Today they are happy and enjoying the fruits of their labor. This is what I wish for every parent.
Oh let's I forget, they are blessed with six children - three males and three females, all living. You see none of them wanted the other to win the match so they played draw, hehehe.
And not forgetting their wonderful grandchildren and in-laws too. We pray they live to see their great grandchildren too.
Did I tell you that their names are Peter and Pauline, oh, now you know, lol. They should have been called P² but since it's already an existing name of the popular musicians, we thought to give them a better one that suits their golden status and Golden P's was just perfect. This name is in respect to their 50 years of unfading love, togetherness, companionship and all that comes with marriage. I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's a well deserved name.
Golden P's
So their golden jubilee celebration was held on the 20th of July, 2020. We planned a low key event due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Infact we contemplated shifting the event to around the end of the year which by then, everything might have normalized but doing so wouldn't have been the best for them as no one knows what lies ahead. Another reason for wanting to move it was because there were restrictions in organizing events and anyone who so wishes to will have to obtain approval from the State government. But we took the bull by horn, and went ahead with it, if we perish, we perish, lol. The necessary paper work was done and approval gotten on time for us to plan the event.
The low key event turned out to be grander than we imagined. Relatives, in- laws, friends and well wishers both far and near plus the Johnsons graced the occasion, lol. It was surprising to see those I haven't seen for decades attend. No one wanted to miss the occasion despite that it was the Covid 19 era. You know, 50 years wedding anniversary isn't 50 days, hehehe.
The day started off with celebration of Mass by his Lordship, the bishop of Aba catholic diocese, and yours truly was there to render the first reading and responsorial psalm, that's my specialty, hehehe.
During mass
The highlight at the mass which got me emotional was the renewal of their marital vows, followed by kiss your bride thingy which they did in a golden way amidst cheers from everyone.
The golden rings
During thanksgiving procession
Mass ended and the reception commenced with pop and pageantry. There was the DJ doing his thing plus traditional dance troupe, that's even the koko because they also have traditionally titled as Nze Peter U. and Chief Pauline E. Okezie. I don't even want to mention the numerous awards by the church and various groups.
Sorry I digressed, the highlight of the reception was the cutting of the cake and the golden dance. You need to have seen my parents rocking it on the dance floor, oh my world š¤£. Well it's not surprising where I got my dancing skills from, lol. Oh! Luchyl, please stop, hehehe š.
Okay let me continue, the guests were served with different dishes comprising ugba (oil bean seed), ukazi soup with, vegetable soup including party jellof rice, salad, moi moi, grills, and various chewables. Not forgetting assorted drinks and the master of all drinks - palm wine, lol. I was just everywhere ensuring that people were comfortable and served, that's the trait I got from my mom.
My parents joy knew no bounds as they saw how people turned out to celebrate them and share in their joy. Infact we were all happy that it was a successful event to the glory of God.
As they have celebrated 50 years and heading towards 60 years, I pray they live to celebrate it in good health.
I now leave you to enjoy more pictures
With the bishop and other priests after mass
The three golden daughters š„°
The golden daughters and daughters in law
The golden family
The enlarged golden family
And finally, the golden wave
Thank you for reading...
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