Memories & Nostalgia

Can it be that 29 years have passed since hubby and I said “I do”? I have the TV on and the beautifully-filmed movie, “Witness” with Harrison Ford is on, it is so peaceful except for the violent moments that are made all the more harsh by their contrast with beauty. Toward the beginning of the movie there is a tranquil scene that simply shows a field of long grass blowing in the wind. I long to be there.

And what does all of this have to do with our anniversary, this is our favorite place to go on our anniversary weekend, we love staying at a quiet motel that isn’t close to the where the tourists haunt. We like to ride up and down the backroads, park the car and walk, watch the Amish farmers turning the soil with their mule teams.

One of the best memories we have is of a time when we decided to visit an Amish/Mennonite church. I wasn’t dressed properly for the occasion, but we were welcomed. Men sat on one side, and woman on the other, but since we were guests, we could sit in the back together. There are no pianos or organs, just singing, and we were there to see a foot washing, our first in that kind of setting, very moving.

After the service, new guests are always invited to a home for dinner, and we decided to accept the invitation. What a beautiful time with special people in a simple but beautiful home. Bountiful table full of delicious food, woman in their simple dresses with hair pulled back and head coverings, men with their black suits and hats. Wonderful, friendly people. The only awkward moment was when I tried to help by bringing some dishes into the kitchen from the table..awkward because I was in blue jeans. The woman did give me looks, but it wasn’t long before they warmed up to me. That was a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

29 years of marriage on the 7th, I’m sure to have more thoughts on that in the next few days.