50th Anniversary - The Key

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In their first year of marriage, wedded bliss was rocky with daily heated arguments, weekly threats for divorce, brutal contest over custody of their newly adopted Golden Retriever puppy, and eventually him often staying with a friend rather than in their newly purchased home.

One week to the day before their first wedding anniversary, she found her wedding gown tucked away in their master bedroom closet.  She wiped away slowing tears and looked to her dress.  She put it on and sorrowfully admired herself in the bedroom's standing mirror.  She remembered how excited she felt when she saw the custom designed gown, how peacefully happy she felt when she put it on, and how perfectly okay she felt when she paid the exceptional price tag cost.  She was a bride then and her supremely positive emotions could not be put into words.  She looked at herself now and devastating emotions could not be put into words...until her husband surprised her.

He spoke lovingly and sincerely.  He wanted a second chance at their marriage.  

She said yes before he could ask.

They renewed their vows to renew their life meant to spend together forever.

On this Saturday, fifty years later, her anniversary gift to him was a letter in words that best described her emotions.

My loving husband,

My life before you was without meaning.  I lived day to day and simply got by.  Exciting moments were understated.  Special moments were understated.  Mundane would be the best word to describe my inner emotions before you.  Content happiness, these two words combined into one emotion, best expresses how I feel now...not the literal now, but where we are now, with our life together in the present and lasting forever.  I promised to you love and honored devotion 'til death do us part.  In our first year of marriage, I feared parting ways.  My life with you has true meaning.  Exciting moments are exciting.  Special moments are special.  Mundane is no longer a descriptive word for me.  On this day, our 50th wedding anniversary, I maintain my promise to love and honor you 'til death do us part.  My vow to you will last always.  I love you.

On this Saturday, fifty years later, his anniversary gift to her was a key.  A key to her heart...a lovely token of his forever feelings for her.  The key, however, was a copy he once made to their house purchased in their first year of marriage.  The key was to their home...where every positively charged emotion, moment and event occurred.  The key to her heart would never, ever break.  The key to their home would never, ever break.

My loving wife,

The key I bestow to you best defines how I feel.  My vow to you will last always.  I love you.

Their 50th anniversary was spent with their grown children and young grandchildren.  The gift from their family was a Golden Retriever puppy.  Their eldest child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their wedding ceremony.  Their youngest child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their vow renewal.  Their middle child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their first Golden Retriever puppy.

On this day...love and devotion were words to describe fifty years.

...& Glam

Their ten-month anniversary.

Rich, bold, statement, colorful glitz purchased.  Now to find the best outfit to match the luxury jewels - Glam.

She had deeper pockets with what she knew she wanted to wear - up to $250.

Some time ago, she was window shopping in the local mall if only to daydream someday inspiration.  She stopped in front of Luxe Boutique, her absolute most favorite (and most expensive apparel) shop in the mall.  Luxe Boutique lived up to its name - pure luxury with designers only the wealthy could buy.  She, however, was on an everyday budget.  One day, she found a must have outfit that she once fell in love with before but could not afford at the time - a plum colored, slip on silk couture dress.  The original asking price was $200.  The dress came with matching plum colored, suede low heels.  The original asking price was $100.

On this one day, when the must-have outfit may not be, she was happily surprised to find a half-off sale.  She casually strolled through the boutique to take in the experience of luxury, but
soon made her must have purchase.  With the sale, then, her discount meant she could save $150...perfect for complimentary makeup at the couture cosmetics department.

Glitz and glam up, their ten-month anniversary arrived.

"You are gorgeous, sweetheart."

"You are rather handsome yourself, my dear."

The clink of champagne glasses.

"Ten months already.  I am the luckiest man.  I love you so much."

"Ten months indeed and long-term certainly.  I love you, too."

A loving kiss.

Glitz...

Their ten-month anniversary.

Jewels would define the outfit...Glitz.

She was on a relatively modest budget for the jewelry - no more than $100.

Their relationship had difficult moments, so on this very special occasion, she wanted to make a statement with her fashion choice to impress him.

She did not have pierced ears, so earrings were ruled out.  She opted out of buying a ring just in case...

Statement necklace or statement bracelet?  Silver-plated or gold-plated?  Rhodium-plated or rose gold-plated?  Clear crystal or sparkling colorful crystal?  How detailed?  Length?  Type of clasp?  She could not decide until she found the perfect...

Matching pair!

She was exploring the Internet for ideas and came across a really cool and intriguing direct sales company, Starry Night.  She found a stylist in her area and decided to support this person's entrepreneurial business by making a purchase.

A long necklace with statement bouquet pendant and toggle bracelet with matching statement bouquet features.  The primary color was plum with intricate colors creating the bouquet design - topaz, forest green, ruby, pumpkin orange, and dark brown.  Rich Autumn colors for this Autumn season.

They met in January.  Their anniversary was in October.

The original cost for the pair was $200.  On this particular day, Starry Night was running a special just for new customers - a half off sale.  Jewels once so rich now affordable on deep discount and on budget.