In January 1996, we hosted a 50th Anniversary party for Jim and Lanaya. At Jim's request. Lanaya was already fading, not sure about what was going on. She went along with it, always a bit out of focus. In her prime, she would have been ON it, every detail being done just right.
Since they eloped when Jim was in the Navy, we structured it as a small wedding reception with the wedding cake and the flowers. We invited about 50 people, I think 30 people or so attended, we held it at the Shoreline Historical Museum. They have a meeting room, it's a bit funky, seemed right. Even in this photo, you can see Jim taking charge guiding Lanaya. A hidden hallmark of the rest of their life together. Jim continued to care for Lanaya himself as she declined, in 2002, she went to a nursing home and he was a faithful faithful visitor. He passed away in Feb 2006, we held the memorial at the nursing home. I have no pictures of that. She died the night before Thanksgiving last year.
But the feted couple do not star in this picture. I didn't even notice until I saw the pictures how six year old Naomi is right there, taking it all in. She's right at their elbows as they cut the cake. She doesn't hold back, she's involved in the action, making sure she doesn't miss anything. She could not get any closer. I didn't even know she was there!
Good thing she's color-coordinated because she's in just about all the pictures.
You know, I think I still have some of those plates upstairs.
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