Forty Years Ago

Christmas Day has always been wonderful--sort of sad in a way, because I never wanted the decorations to go in a box, never wanted the preparations to end, or the anticipation to be over.  When I went off to college, I always made it home for Christmas with my folks on the Big Dry.  The last one I spent in Montana was forty years ago, and it is still special to me.  We all got up Christmas morning; Mom started handing the gifts out to everyone, and she handed me one that wasn't marked.  I eventually opened it up not really suspecting anything, and was stunned when I found  a diamond ring inside!  Bob mailed an engagement ring to my parents with a little note written on spiral notebook paper saying, "I would like for you to put this under the tree for Christmas morning and not let Rosie know about it until then.  I like to give her surprises, and I'm sure this will be the last thing she ever expects to get for Christmas, especially in Montana."  Well, we all know that girls love diamonds, and I was thrilled with this surprise!   Forty years later, I still have the ring, the note to my parents, and Bobby.  Today he and I celebrated Christmas with Robert, Marina, and little Rhys, who just turned one in November.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate a forty year anniversary.  Have a blessed day, and a wonderful new year!