"YES" by Laura McGrath Humphreys

June 6, 1950 was a very great day for a lot of us!! On that day two fantastic people said "Yes" to President Harry S. Payne as they were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for Time and all Eternity.

Fast forward 50 years to June 6, 2000..............

The children of this couple wanted to honor their 50 years of marriage but were not sure how to do it. Finally Bob and Laura decided to invite Mom and Dad to meet in Payson, Arizona for dinner at a Mexican restaurant and visiting. We told our brother Roger and his wife Loretta what we were planning so without telling Mom and Dad they decided to join us.

Mom and Dad and Bob and Laura were all sitting around the table reading the menu and talking when suddenly in walks Roger and Loretta, surprising the Honorees. I remember Mom looking up and seeing them walking towards us. She gasped and jumped up to hug her son and daughter-in-law. There was lots of laughing and talking and we all scooted in closer around the table when suddenly the biggest and sweetest surprise of all, as Mom looked up wondering where is that waitress when who did she see walking toward us from around the corner of the room but our Karen with a sly little smile on her face. She called out "happy anniversary!"

Mom and Dad were completely speechless and overcome with tears when they saw her because she had flown in all the way from North Carolina to be there with us. I think the other customers in the restaurant were watching us by that time, jealous I am sure. Roger and Karen had secretly worked it out so that Karen could be there. It seemed the best 50th wedding anniversary party we could have had because the perfect part was that we were all together as the Eternal family that we are.

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other's company, eating Mexican food, and going to a little ice cream parlor for dessert.  I think Karen was able to stay a few more days with Mom and Dad in Mesa.  As we all left for our homes I felt so thankful to be part of this wonderful family that is now even older!