Journal of a Living Lady #198
Nancy White Kelly
In my pajamas, I made my way down the hall to turn off the oxygen machine after a good night’s rest. Fully dressed already, Buddy grinned as he approached me. He put his firm, but aging hands on my shoulders. I stood motionless as he gently removed the clear plastic pipes from my face. He embraced me tightly and planted his lips on mine, making a distinct smacking noise. This is not our usual morning routine.
Buddy began singing: “Happy Anniversary to you. Happy Anniversary to you.”
I finished the song in a croaky voice: “Happy Anniversary, dearest Buddy, Happy Anniversary to you.”
I kissed him back. Electricity? Not exactly. We were mutually satisfied with sparks. After all, we two old flints have been rubbing our kissers together for 38 years.
After the contained fireworks, I got my head on. That is my euphemism for fully waking up. Buddy and I treated ourselves to breakfast at a nearby restaurant. We reminisced about our wedding. We talked about some of the mountain-top experiences and deep valleys we have shared. We discussed the reasons why we are still married.
Love, not withstanding, Buddy and I agreed it had to do with commitment. He and I made a nuptial vow in church before God and everybody that we would stay together “until death do us part.”
That reminds me of the time Rev. Billy Graham’s wife was asked if they ever considered divorce. She didn’t miss a beat: “Divorce, No. Murder, Yes.” Same here in the Kelly household.
It was a
beautiful beginning to a wonderful day. Not long after Buddy Sinatra serenade
me so unexpectedly, my only sister, Sunnie Anne, arrived from
I looked at the wall calendar. She was right. Our 38th wedding anniversary was the next day. I glossed over the silly mistake, chagrinned and surprised that my sister even remembered.
Sunnie Anne should know though. She was there on my wedding day. In the midst of all the wedding details, our mother had found time to make Sunnie Anne a frilly pink bouffanty dress. My little sister, all of three years old, showed off her ruffled panties to pew guests as I came down the church aisle with our dad.
Cancer fatigue was taking its toll. I was very tired by sundown and called it a night. Buddy did so also. Later, I could hear Sunnie Anne rustling in the kitchen. Not so unusual. She considers our house her second home. She spent every summer vacation with us, as well as most holidays, until she grew up. Though sisters, because of the vast age difference, we are much more like mother-daughter.
The next morning I arose to find the dining table and kitchen decorated to the hilt. Flowers, candles, candy, little gifts, ribbons, and big signs wishing us a “Happy Anniversary.”
Typical Sunnie Anne, our sentimental family party girl. No notable day, or un-notable day, goes unnoticed. She even sends birthday cards to her pets. This was, however, the first time Sunnie Anne had celebrated our wedding anniversary.
No wonder she noticed the previous day that we had confused our anniversary date. She had been thoughtfully planning this surprise for months.
It was memorable day. Everybody needs a sister like mine to brighten your life. If you don’t have one, be one.
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