The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Anniversaries: Celebrate Them

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

9 June 2004

Anniversaries are right up there with graduations.

After all the hard work, struggles and ups and downs you go through to succeed without giving up the cause, you need to plan a celebration.

This weekend, I attended a couple of golden wedding anniversary celebrations including one for my editor and her husband Gilbert and Shirley Linder.

Their marriage never seemed like hard work, but on the contrary, just seems to flow.

Their kids said they had never heard them say a harsh word to each other, but communicate, they do it every day.

It was rather unique seeing them celebrate in the American Legion's new post which is located in a building that brought Gilbert and Shirley to Stronghurst - the former Gilbert's Big Value grocery story, a Benner Tea franchise. Their grown children recalled playing in the back room while their dad cut meat and their mom did the book work.

With over a hundred and some people attending, it is fun to hear a little more of the story of a couple. I was surprised to find out they had eloped, taking off together and getting hitched in "The Little Brown Church" in Iowa.

Think of the bundle they saved in wedding expenses. Their kids always heard they didn't have a wedding cake, so they produced a big one on Sunday to make up for it. The wedding reception they never had was in full bloom at the Legion Hall. Many pictures of "back when" were included and Gilbert and Shirley were dressed in formal attire. They each were sporting lovely new diamond rings.

There secret of a long happy marriage, I believe, is caring about the needs of the other and cheerfully helping each other in everything - no exceptions. It makes for a nice ending.

Shirley gives lots of hugs to the many who came to congratulate them on their golden wedding anniversary.

Gilbert hugs former work associate from Econo Foods

Gilbert and Shirley with Sherry, Larry and Marvin.