There is always another layer of awareness, understanding, and delight to be discovered through synchronistic and serendipitous events. Hannelie Venucia, author.
A couple’s 50th wedding anniversary is golden. Because a spouse may die, not all resilient marriages reach this momentous occasion. And, a 60th anniversary celebration shines like a diamond. But what about the 61st? Well, that’s when serendipity steps in. You know serendipity, the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought after.
As we waited in a lounge to be seated at the Jekyl Island Club’s Grand Dining Room on our 61st anniversary, a couple joined us. As we exchanged pleasantries, we quickly learned that they, too, were celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary. We and they had married on December 20, 1958. They said their vows at 4 p.m. in Tennessee; we, at 8 p.m. in Texas. They joked that those four hours meant that they had been married longer than we. Adding to the wonderment, we both have been celebrating “our day” at the same place, same time for at least the last five years and we never had encountered each other before.
What are the odds that two couples married on the same day in two different states would meet in celebration in a third state 61 years later? According to the U. S. Census Bureau, only five percent of married couples reach their 50th anniversary. Commemorating the 60th, much less 61, is even less. And the chance that two couples, strangers, married exactly 61 years to the date, would happen to show up at the same place, same time, is even slimmer.
Of course, an anniversary is the time for a couple to reflect on their joint memories. We’ve all collected a lot over the years. But thanks to the Internet, a collection of annual trivia avails itself. According to Hot Pop Songs, “The Chipmunk Song” topped the charts in December 61 years ago. Neither of us chose that ditty for our ceremonies.
According to “The People’s History,” during the year of 1958, a gallon of gasoline cost 25 cents; a new house, $12,750.00; monthly rent, $92.00, average yearly wages $4,600.00. Historically, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act in to law, creating NASA and the space race with the Soviet Union started. Brussels, Belgium hosted the World’s Fair.
Of interest to me, whose first summer job after high school was making parts for Texas Instruments, is the fact that the Microchip was co-invented that year by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments, and Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductors. Sir Edmund Hillary reached the South Pole.
Popular movies of the year included The Bridge on the River Kwai, South Pacific, Gigi and Vertigo. “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Candid Camera,” “The Jack Benny Show,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” aired as top TV shows.
None of those topics cropped up in our brief chat. Rather we learned that they had met at Middle Tennessee College where he played football and majored in accounting. She, a native of Tennessee, also majored in accounting, a field she made her career. They moved to his home state of Georgia where he taught school, coached, and as he joked, eventually became school superintendent/janitor.
After retirement, they moved from their long time home to be closer to their grandchild. The lone place where paths could have crossed earlier was at Glynn Academy in Brunswick. Both men had spent part of their high school years at that school, but not at the same time.
Adding to this surreal moment, we were seated at adjoining tables. But, during dinner, each couple focused on our own memories, thoughts of our own family and the blessings of sharing our lives for 61 years.
Since we had been seated one couple immediately after the other, we finished our meals at the same time. As we departed, we hugged like old time friends and promised to meet again at the same time, same place next year. It’s a promise I hope we both can keep. We look forward to seeing this couple from North Georgia again.
As I continue to ponder this memorable evening, I agree with author Nikki Rowe. “There isn't any questioning the fact that some people enter our life, at the exact point of need, want or desire…whatever it is, I am certain it came to make me smile.”
2019
P.S.While the two couples stayed in touch, COVID-19 prevented dinner at the same time, same place for the next two years at least.
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