Seasons of Beauty

On my birthday, last month, Lin posted on her blog, The Beauty of Seasons.  It triggered an idea in my head about the seasons of beauty.  I hope you mothers can forgive this guy when I say, babies are not beautiful.  The only possible exceptions are my sons, my granddaughter and your children.

All youngsters are beautiful.  Each in their own way.

Some folks say that women hit their peak beauty in their teen years.  I don’t agree.  There was a teenage gal I met whose beauty stunned me and she had a charming personality that won me over–completely.

She said, "I'm almost 15 going on 16."

Sylvia said, “I’m almost 15 going on 16.”

It was the smile and those words that convinced me that I wanted to know her better.  For the next week, I couldn’t get Cynthia off my mind.  Then I found out her name was really Sylvia.  That’s an important thing to remember.

September 9, 1961

September 9, 1961

There is nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day.  Have you ever noticed that?  It took me decades to come to the realization that the reason is an overflowing joy that comes from love.

Twenty-five years later

Twenty-five years later

I thought she was a beauty in her teens.  That beauty was still in the bud.  It blossomed during her twenty’s and thirty’s.  Still stunning in her forty’s.

Can you believe at age 55?

Can you believe at age 55?

I think even the bride was a bit jealous of Sylvia when we participated in this Puerto Rican wedding.  (Yes, the bride was beautiful.  All brides are beautiful.)  Sylvia’s beauty just kept growing.

The hair may be a lighter shade, but beauty doesn't fade

The hair may be a lighter shade, but beauty doesn’t fade

An ancient king (Lemuel) wrote of the virtuous woman (Proverbs 31).

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.

He must have known someone like Sylvia.  Today we celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary.

We talked about renewing the agreement at 50 years, but decided that our agreement was “until death do us part.”  That’s good enough for this earthly existence.

Happy anniversary my love, my life.