Circle of Life | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Circle of Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rita Garcia
06/20/06
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Katharine and James entered the historic ball room with its richly paneled ceiling. The elegant wall coverings and crystal chandeliers gave the room a magical glow. They looked around at their family and friends gathered to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Katharine and James took their seats, as the band played their favorite song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.”1

Stephen stepped up to the mike. “I want to thank everyone for joining us in celebration of our parents’ fiftieth anniversary. We have a few memories to share with you this evening. First, my brother, Mark”

“Thank you for the memories. We treasure and hold them dear. You raised us to stand on mountains. You allowed us to be who we are, while encouraging us to find God’s purpose for our lives. It’s your turn, Margaret.”

“Mom, as a wife and mother, you’re a hard act to follow. You made us feel loved and wanted. You listened to our problems, and shared our triumphs. One lingering question: how did you always know what we were up to? It’s my pleasure to hand the mike to my brother, John.”

“I’m honored to be part of this tribute. I lived two houses down when my mom died of cancer. You allowed me to spend time at your house. You held on to me and wiped my tears, the times I cried for my mom. Thank you for being my other parents. Stephen, I think we’re back to you.”

“As parents, you provided a Christian home; you taught us how to pray by praying with us. By watching you, we learned that our inner strength comes from God, that in Him we find peace and joy even in the midst of the storms. The grandchildren have a few words to say, James.”

“My father died when I was only a few months old. He missed my first birthday and I’ve missed him my whole life. It was difficult losing your first born son, yet you thought of me. You allowed me to know him by sharing your memories and your love. Amanda.”

“You are the grandparents every child should be blessed to have. The memories of spending time with you, these were the special times. William.”

“You are our heroes, the people we most want to emulate with our lives. My sister, Betsy is next.”

“My husband, Tom and I have a special announcement. I said I wouldn’t cry. I’m…I’m pregnant with your first great-grandchild.” Betsy wiped the tears from her face as she handed the mike to Stephen.

“Mom, Dad, would you like to say a few words?”

Katharine accepted the microphone. “I’m thankful someone thought of tissues. Betsy, my heart is singing with joy. To my husband, I say thank you for fifty fabulous years. Through the troubled times we grew and learned to appreciate the joyful times. During times of tragedy you held me tight, and helped me survive. For fifty years you have been my best friend. I’ve often heard the question ask of married couples, ‘Would you do it again?’ My answer is, yes in a heartbeat.”

“Katharine, fifty years ago, I stood at the altar watching you walk toward me, a vision of loveliness in your white flowing gown. I felt as if my heart stopped for a moment. I knew I was the luckiest man alive. We held the hope of the future in our hands, when we handed that future to Him. He gave it back filled with His abundant love, joy and peace. Katharine, for fifty years you have stood beside me and you are the one who lifts me up.”

“For the first dance I present, Mr. & Mrs. James O’Connor,” said Stephen.

Katharine turned into the waiting arms of her husband, as the band once again played their favorite song. “It looks like the next generation is about to begin. Our Betsy is having a baby. Life sure has its way of coming full circle time and time again,” said Katharine.

1 Written by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar

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