Light

I would say that we were up at the crack of dawn this morning, but the crack of dawn comes really really early these days.  The official time of sunrise was 4:26, but it starts to get light much earlier than that.....the eastern sky gets a pale pale blue and that slowly spreads across the sky.  It is fascinating to watch the sun go down....and realize an hour later that the sky to the northwest is still pale blue, and by the same token it is fun to watch come up.

Having said all that, we were up by 5:30 to attend the 25th wedding anniversary of dear friends.  You may remember that we went to another one a few months ago.  It is absolutely charming.  Friends and family gather outside the home of the celebrated couple to sing them awake.  Afterward, all are invited in to have breakfast.

Most of us had to use the cheat sheet to sing the words....even the young missionaries.

That is Elsie right in front.....I adore her.  She is one of the kindest people I have ever known.

The children of the couple arrange for the surprise and the meal and the decorations.  They also do this on the 50th (ahem, my dear children).  It is supposed to be a surprise, but I don't think anyone is ever surprised, since the front door has to be decorated and arrangements have to be made to serve a crowd of people.

Ellen and Joern came out as we began to sing...wearing their nightcaps.  They were so delightful, waving and listening to us sing.  We sang three songs.  There was a very special spirit about everything.  The happy couple welcomed us, and then we all trooped inside and down the stairs to a lovely large room with a kitchen attached.

Tables were set and the serving tables were covered with delicious fruits, breads, meats and cheeses. A prayer was said, and then the eating and visiting began.  I sat next to a very nice woman who is a curator of a history museum down south.  She knew a lot about Denmark's history so I was in heaven!

After awhile, Joern stood and made a toast to his wife, and then led a toast to him.  She rewrote the lyrics to a song for her husband, and we all sang.  It was touching.  They have a lovely large family who adore them, and they are each marvelous individuals who have done much good in the world, our little branch in Amager and in their family.  It is a second marriage and they are very much in love.

The lyrics to her song rhymed, but unfortunately, the translation doesn't!  Here is  the gist of her song:

Thank you Joern for great and small...through the years it has gone so well.  We have been the best of friends.  You have held me in your hands, lifted me up when life was difficult....we have learned companionship.  When we met the first time, it was to music and singing.  Still you touch my heart when you play.  It's as if the sun breaks forth and shines in our little home.  Grandchildren we have together, and for them you are best-Joern.  With gladness can we say we feel very rich.  With the love of family...We will thrive in eternity.  We have traveled and seen much beauty and our every day has gone so well.  Joint faith and joint purpose is the basis of our whole foundation. Joint welfare comes first, and love is the greatest.  

This is Ellen's poem.

Here are the three beautiful songs we sang to awaken them.  

We got some shopping done for the salads tomorrow, and then headed to the temple to be with the YSAs at their temple session.  We had a very poor turnout....busy time of year, but I certainly enjoyed being there.

We arrived home at 10 p.m. and it was still light.