An Early Anniversary Surprise 

A giant box, like the size of Russ’s smart car, arrived at our house. It was from my father-in-law. Although our anniversary is two weeks away he had gone ahead and sent us a gift early. It is not expected for my father-in-law to send us an anniversary gift, although he never misses at least sending us a card and a check for us to go out to dinner, but this is our 25th anniversary. He was not going to miss marking this achievement and it was apparent that he had been working on his gift for a long time.

Russ started the opening of the box which could have been in a UPS packaging store ad. First there was the double thickness of the cardboard. Then the first of three different types of bubble wrap. The largest bubbles encased the gift and were taped as if to mummify the contents, protecting it from evil spirits who might want to steal its soul.

Carefully removing the middle sized bubble wrap which was equally well taped Russ was whittling down the size of the present. Then the third tiny bubble layer once removed and still the contents were a secret to me for the gift was wrapped in more plastic and protective card board. Very tenderly Russ peeled off the last covering and revealed a clock that my Father-in-law designed and made for this occasion.

It is a beautiful case clock that has Westminster chimes that sound on the quarter hour. On the back is inscribed “to Russ and Dana on you 25th Anniversary, love Dad.” He had spent more time and effort on our anniversary than either of us had for any anniversary.

We called to thank him and I told him that clocks had gone across the country in Conestoga wagons with less protection. He was thrilled that it had made it to us without harm. Carter will have a family heirloom when we are gone complete with the three pages of instructions and photos on the creation of the clock that her grandfather included in a Manila envelope taped to the back.

What a sweet way to recognize our silver anniversary. Now the stakes are really high for me to come up with something equally as impressive for Russ. Thank goodness my father-in-law was so early on his gift giving. I have two weeks.