Amidst all the chaos that surrounds us my family was recently treated to a wonderous day. Against the backdrop of war in Iraq, a tattered western alliance, and a struggling economy, my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

The world events of today were strangely connected to this anniversary.

The picture of my parents wedding that was used for newspaper announcements etc., in fact the only picture I know of from their wedding is that of a young air lieutenant and his wartime bride, both brimming with happiness and looking forward to their post war future.

A short time later Dad was sent overseas.

Enough of this talk of war let me dwell on my folks and their anniversary.

My three brothers and I have been blessed with the greatest parents one could ever hope for.

Ever since I was a young lad up to and including today, friends and other family have commented on how lucky we have been to have such parents.

If one excuses their parenting mistakes during my teenage years (after all what would they have known of sex,drugs, and rock and roll) they have been near perfect.

Their lives have been rich and full, in between their beginnings from a small rural community in Saskatchewan and retirement in a small rural community in Ontario they have circumvented the globe, often with four sons in tow.

What lives they have led!

In planning the 60th, we sons entered the process with some concerns.

My mother has advanced Alzheimer’s, we were not sure if she had recognized any of us during the last year.

We had no idea how she would respond to a large gathering of friends and family.

Due to the significance of the occasion, our desire to once again gather, and our need to acknowledge our Mom and Dad we moved forward, safe in the knowledge that all present were well prepped about Mom’s status and her non participation would be understood.

My father as expected thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and also as expected spent most of his time by my mother’s side, only standing on occasion to regale us with a speech, a song or a joke.

At 89 we still can and do count on him.

The special wonder of the day came from Mom.

She joined us, she recognized us, she spoke to us, she laughed and she cried with us.

Mom came back to us.

What a wonderous day we all had.