This past Saturday, September 28th, I was honored to attend a party celebrating my sister-in-law, Ilene and brother-in-law, Walt’s, 50th Wedding Anniversary. The party was held at their son Kevin and daughter in law Philomena’s home in West Chester, PA. Ilene and Walt were always very welcoming to me when I joined the Lee family forty-four years ago. One of my first dates with John, Walt’s younger brother, was an invitation to their home for a barbecue. Here I met their four children, Kevin, Chris, Claire and Karen. My husband had always been very close to Walt, Ilene and their children, sometimes babysitting for them. When we were married a year afterwards, Kevin served as the ring bearer.
I admired Walt and Ilene as spouses and as excellent parents. They served as role models for me when John and I had our children. We especially enjoyed their New Year’s Eve parties many of which we were able to attend. They would travel to our home about an hour drive to join in family celebrations. I am fortunate enough to have a very close friendship with Ilene and over the years we were able to talk about many different topics. She feels more like a sister (as she once told me) than a sister in law.
It was a wonderful party and it was so nice to see all their children as well as most of their grandchildren present for the special occasion! I enjoyed talking to their adult children, Kevin, Chris, Claire and Kevin. I also enjoyed talking to their cousins, two of Walt’s brother’s Bob and Maureen’s adult children, Maureen and Ray. It was nice talking to my brother in law, Bob. I missed not seeing my sister in law, Maureen, who couldn’t attend the party. Of course seeing Ilene and Walt and congratulating them was the highlight of the evening. Memories of seeing their children grow up, get married, have their own children are very special.
My son, Tom and his beautiful wife, Marissa were able to make the trip to help celebrate. This also helped to make the evening special, since being in their company always delights me. I came away that night from this special celebration realizing again that there is nothing more important than family and I am so happy to be part of the Lee family!
Congratulations again, Ilene and Walt! God bless you and all of the Lee’s! Love you all!
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