Overwhelmed

...is the only word I can think of. When the girls asked if they could have a party for Ray and me to celebrate our 25th anniversary, I had mixed emotions. I didn't want them to go to so much trouble and I knew I wasn't comfortable with so much attention on me. But at church, the elder making the announcement said, "The Rhodes children want to honor their parents." That's when I got excited. 

When you give a gift, how do you feel? Do you want the receiver to be embarrassed or shy? No, you want them to receive it joyfully. After I had my thinking changed, I tried more to receive the gift more joyfully. I watched them work, and they worked hard! I waited as they whispered about secret details, and there is always whispering of secrets! And I thoroughly enjoyed the getting ready together. 

The party was overwhelming. They had invited our church and family and decorated everything beautifully. There was a sweet video and slide show put together of our wedding and life together. And through it all the girls arranged for all gifts to go to a "second honeymoon" type getaway to Charleston, SC. I am so blessed to have such sweet children.