This is the poem that Gina wrote and our three daughters read at our surprise 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary Party on June 5, 1998. Our actual anniversary was the next day, which arrived while we were still at the Double Tree Hotel celebrating.

(Gina)
We want to thank everyone for coming and for helping keep this a surprise.

We wanted to have this party for our parents tonight to not only celebrate their 25 years together but also to celebrate and appreciate them for everything they have done for the three of us in those 25 years. During the next month our family has a lot to celebrate. We have our three birthdays and three graduations. Without the love and support from our parents we would never have gotten here. We know that it has been challenging and stressful at times but you have taught us so much and have done so much for us.

(Lisa)
It’s been twenty-five years
We want to thank you for it all
You’ve calmed our fears
And never let us fall.

(Gina)
You’ve made us who we are
And never limited who we could be
We’re each following our own star
To reach our destinies.

(Julie)
You did what you could
To tell us how to act
Show us bad from good
And teach us the facts.

(Lisa)
You probably thought
We’d never learn
That kids always get caught
And get what they earn.

(Gina)
Now we’re finally grown
And in our hearts know
We’ll never be alone
And always have somewhere to go.