Seasoned Veterans of 60 Years of Marriage (Part 2) The Party
Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
by Gary W. Halsey Sr.
All Season Karaoke and D.J.
This DJ has DJ'ed allot of parties, weddings and events, but I must say, that I have had the most wonderful pleasure in DJ'ing a 60th wedding anniversary of Dick and Donna. This is the couple's names that I wrote about, asking all of you for ideas of songs of the period of the 1940's, and I mixed up allot of songs, that they really enjoyed. It all started when I arrived at their manufactured home park, which by the way, was very well groomed and very nice. My wife Christine was driving and we told the guard at the gate that we were there to DJ the party for Dick and Donna. She nodded, showed us the way, and we pulled into the recreation center, where there was a beautiful recreation hall, complete with dance floor, stage, and tons of tables. I observed that they used this hall for just about everything to the occasional dances, to Bingo. What a neat place to be. We were met by the caterers, and asked if this was the party for Dick and Donna, and we were told it was, and we introduced ourselves as being the DJ's, and were allowed to set up our equipment on the stage, and ready ourselves for the event. John, (My brother in law, my wife Christine, and myself were set up and ready to go.
Dick and Donna had their 1st child in 1949, their daughter Karen, and their son Rick was born in 1950. Karen had 3 children, and Rick had 2, giving Dick and Donna 5 grandchildren. They of course, had children 1 great grandson, and 6 great granddaughters, and 1 Great Great Grandson. Wow, what a legacy. I had done a little research on when this extrodinary couple were married and discovered that Dick had 3 brothers, and Donna had 3 sisters. They are the only surviving members of all of their siblings, on each side of their families.
During all of these years, they have just about seen it all; they were there when Gasoline was 16 cents a gallon in 1948. That's .80 cents for 5 gallons! Of course .80 was a little harder to get back then. A Plymouth cost 2,674.00 brand new! Imagine that! Bread back then was only 16 cents a loaf, Salt was only 10 cents, most meats were anywhere from 35 to 56 cents a pound. Candy bars were only a nickle, those times were extrodinary. Dick and Donna had seen 12 presidents come and go since they were married, and they both have seen 15 presidents come and go since their births!! The first president Herbert Hoover in 1929, to the present president Barak Obama. That's allot of Presidents folks.
This writer and DJ must say, that this is by far the most incredable and memorable event that I have ever DJ'ed. They (Karen and Mike) even fed Christine, John, and I, the Mexican food buffet was wonderful. I must say that seeing Dick and Donna dance to their song "Unforgettable", for their anniversary dance, drew tears to this DJ's eyes, seeing the love in each others eyes, and that passion that only two people that have been married for 60+ years would only know.
And here we are today, celebrating their 60 wedding anniversary. I am so proud to be a part of it, and Christine, John and I of All Season Karaoke and D.J. Would like to say a hearty "CONGRADULATIONS" to this wonderful couple.and many more years of happiness and togetherness with each other.congratulations Dick and Donna..you did good.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)There is a saying. I can't remember how it goes exactly so I'll paraphrase. There is no better thing in life than to do something you love for a living. You seem to be there, Gary. Nice job here!!
Ken, thank you for your wonderful support. And yes, I am there. I love doing what I do, my life to say the least, is anything but dull. I love what I do as a DJ, because all the opportunities that I get for my business, every job is a party!!! How great is that. I get to see folks at the best!!! The are always happy, and if I as a DJ can make a difference in their lives, I'm all for it. Thanks again for commenting on this article. I'm not sure where all my fans are, but it seems there not reading anything but you are always my constant, and I really appreciate you for your input. I am still making my rounds on my fan base, but I think I need to go back to the readers club, and get some more readers.....I am writting a new book, and I'm really excited about it, It is called "Riches to Rags, Rags to Riches" based on the times of recession and folks loosing their jobs. Thanks again for your support, and your loyality. Your friend and fan........Gary.
It sounded like a wonderful event. I am so glad you did a follow up to the original story. Thanks for sharing. Linda D
Gary, my mom and dad made 63 and it was amazing how much they cared for each other right up until dad passed. Mom sort of went downhill after that. It was then our world changed as well. We found out the hard way about things. The health care facade, government facade, people facades. Mom is still with us at 94 and going, only she doesn't remember everything at all times. Treasure those memories because they flee fast. I happy to hear you had a moment. Robert.Thanks so much Robert, it was great to do this for those folks, and I did play the song that you recommended, and they of course loved it. The dance floor was packed and everyone had a ball. It sure was good to see that love was well, and alive in these two.....Thanks again....Your pal, and friend in pen......Gary
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