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A very special celebration

On April 17, 2007, it was our pleasure and privilege to be part of a celebration that to this day warms the hearts of all those who participated - and, those who have heard about it.

When we learned that one of our patients and his wife would be celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary we asked if we could help put together a celebration honoring them. We were very pleased when our offer was accepted. We became more excited as we shared what we were doing with more people at LEGACY HOSPICE.

We have a volunteer that bakes cakes for special occasions. When the volunteer coordinator told her about what the cake was for she started planning a very special cake - a real wedding cake. We found out that the "groom's" favorite cake was German Chocolate - so, German Chocolate it was.

Another volunteer was inspired at three o'clock in the morning and made a very special anniversary card. Everyone at LEGACY signed it.

One of our volunteers shares her talents with her singing. She started doing research on the songs that were popular during the time of their wedding.

When the cake was picked up - there was a three tiered "wedding cake" complete with Happy 69th Anniversary on the top layer. It was beautiful. The driver drove very, very slowly to the facility with the cake in the trunk.

A corsage and boutonniere had been ordered and picked up.

No one was prepared for the impact that that afternoon had on them. The "bride" looked absolutely radiant and thanked everyone over and over again. When our volunteer sang, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" it was obvious that memories were stirred as tender kiss was shared. It turned out that they had danced to that song.

The cake was cut by our Director of Marketing and served by the social worker that works with the patient and family. It was apparent that German Chocolate was the right flavor. As the "bride" fed her "groom" he devoured every bite.

We were treated to the story of their relationship and how they had been married in secret. It seems that at that time teachers were not allowed to be married and they both were teachers.

Our Chaplain and volunteer graced us with a duet of some of the more popular love songs of that era. Our "bride" never stopped smiling that radiant smile.

We didn't want the celebration to end. The love and devotion of the honored couple filled the room and it was hard to leave. We were thanked over and over again. How could we tell them that we were the thankful ones? How could we express what an inspiration they were and we truly were privileged to have been a part of such a VERY SPECIAL CELEBRATION.