DISCLAIMER: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies Title: 50th Anniversary Author: Mary K. Summary: Neil and Christy celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Dislaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Marshall-Lesourd Family. We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my enjoyment only. .................................................................................................................. Christy gazed upon the countenance of her sleeping husband. He was still so handsome. Surely age had weathered his features, but in her opinion he was still the best looking man in Tennessee. She smiled to herself and thought 'the years have been kind to us. How quickly time has flown by, season follows season at an alarming rate. Fifty years of love and passion, laughter and happiness, tears and sorrow. The path we chose together has been intricate and complex.' Today the entire family would be coming to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their daughter Catherine and daughter-in-law Emily approached them well over a year ago to begin to discuss the party. Neil told them he did not want a lot of fuss and bother. Christy knew that he was really overjoyed that all of the family would be together again for the first time in many years. 'What a family tree we've created' she mused to herself. 'Six surviving children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.' Christy's favorite form of family gathering had always been a picnic. "Let's keep it simple" she told her daughters. "A celebration of family, your father and I surrounded by all of our loved ones would be perfect. Everyone should feel welcome, at home, and above all, everyone should be and feel comfortable. Neil agreed with her. "We'll have it catered" said Emily. "No one will have to cook" said Catherine. "There will be music for dancing and games for the children." "If there's going to be music" Neil said, "have them play something I can dance to with your mother." Christy laughed in agreement. "I'm eighty-five years old and my bones creak. I want slow dances." Christy kissed him on his cheek. A few weeks later Christy contacted her granddaughter, Catriona. She had graduated from a textile and design school. She's always been fascinated by Christy's quilts, made lovingly by Christy herself for her family. Catriona loved the interplay between fabric and design and the intricacy of the hand stitching. "Sweetheart," Christy said, "I need your help in planning a surprise for your Grandfather. She led Catriona to her cedar chest. Carefully folded in tissue paper was Margaret's lavender dress. "Could you make a copy of this for me? I know that you will not be able to duplicate the fabrics. This dress has a very special meaning for Grandpa and I." "Grammy, it's beautiful," Catriona said. "Please you must tell me it's story." "During my first few months in Cutter Gap your great uncle David asked me to come with him to Lufty Branch. Once a month he preached a Sunday service. We were finally able to come up with an available Sunday. David rode Prince, and I rode the mission's partially lame mule, Theo. As we crossed the creek near Grandpa's cabin, Theo started to falter. I was going to fall into the creek. I knew I couldn't swim. I implored David to help me. Grandpa was fishing in the creek. He heard me, and came and rescued me off Theo. He carried me into his cabin. My skirt and shoes were soaking wet. He brought me his late wife's dress and underthings to change into from my wet clothes. When I finally came downstairs, your Grandpa was speechless. David had to leave, so we were alone until David came back and my clothes were dry. Grandpa told me much later, that was when he really fell in love with me. I was too innocent then to understand his reaction. He hid his feelings well." "It's so delicate." Catriona said. "I'll do my best. Let's take some measurements." "I've put on a few pounds," said Christy. "Not many, I'd wager" her granddaughter replied. You really are an amazing woman, Grammy. I know a store in Knoxville that carries delicate fabrics similar to this. They also sell fine lace. I'll make sure that you have your surprise for Grandpa." "Thank you sweetheart" Christy said. "I'd do anything for you, Grammy," Catriona answered, and gave her grandmother a loving hug and kiss. All their children planned their vacations in order to attend the celebration. Motels were booked months in advance. Their oldest son Ned and his wife Emily would be coming from Baltimore. Ned had become a doctor who specialized in Opthamology. Their children, one daughter-in-law and baby grandson would arrive on Wednesday. Emily still felt that there were last minute details that needed attention. Catherine and her husband Luke arrived with four children, one daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. Charlie, wife Fiona, and three sons would arrive on Friday. Christy and Neil's twin sons Ian and Sean lived nearby with their respective families. They would all come on Saturday, the day of the party. Amelia, the youngest daughter was flying in from Colorado with her husband and their three children. It was going to be a chaotic, happy time for everyone Neil, long retired from medical practice, still enjoyed keeping up with his medical journals. He often entertained lively discussions with Ned. Advances in medicine and research were amazing. Sean and Ian made it a point to go fishing with their father as often as they could. Neil adored his children. He had a special bond with all of his sons. As far as he was concerned, his daughters were perfect; just like their Momma. The MacNeill children had grown up in a loving household. There had been difficult times --the War, the Depression, had a deep impact on life in the Cove. Events and sickness took their toll. Creation of the National Park had uprooted families, including the MacNeill's. Throughout the upheavals, they had stood firm, driven by a faith in God that had sustained them all through the years. "Neil" said Christy, as she kissed her husband awake. "We have to get up now. In a few hours we are going to be inundated by our loved ones." Neil grumbled and kissed Christy back. She got up and went to make coffee and prepare breakfast. Neil soon came into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her again. "I never get tired of doing this." "Neither do I" she answered. She looked lovingly at him and smiled. "Enjoy the peace now, because chaos will reign in a few hours." **************************** As the family began to arrive, Neil went out on to the porch to greet them. He turned and called to Christy but she was no where in sight. 'Blast' he thought. 'I face the onslaught of MacNeill's by myself.' He turned back into the house to call her. Christy knew she had little time to get ready. She quickly donned the dress Catriona had made and let her snow white hairdown, just as it had been on that Sunday long ago. She heard Neil calling her, and rose from her vanity chair. A final spritz of rose water and her ablutions were complete. I'm coming dearest" she called. As she came into the hallway, Neil was speechless. In his mind's eye, the years faded away. He was seeing Christy as he had fifty-two fateful years ago when he turned from the fireplace to face her. He took Christy into his arms and kissed her with such love and passion that they were totally oblivious to the noise and bustle around them. Assorted family members kept coming through the door, and they kept kissing. "Now you know why we have such a big family" said Ned. Neil and Christy drew slightly apart. "Neil Edward Duncan MacNeill!" said Christy in her best teacher's voice. "There can never be too much love in a family!" "Yes, Mama" he replied with a chuckle. "Mother, you look radiant" said Catherine. "Catriona made this for me" Christy said. "I wanted it to be a surprise for your father." "You take my breath away, Lass. I love you," said Neil with a smile. "Enough" said Sean and Ian together. "We're starving!" "Some things never change," said their mother. "Your stomachs were always bottomless pits when you were both growing up. By the way, do not touch your father's blackberry cobbler. That's one of my special gifts for him today." "We won't" said Ian mischievously at his twin. "Not us......never." Everyone laughed at that. 'Good thing that I baked three,' thought Christy. "Let me hug my grandchildren and great-grandbabies!" Tents had been set up all over the yard. Tables and chairs were set about and long tables were set for the wide variety of foods and desserts. It was a glorious autumn day very much like their wedding day fifty years ago. Ned thanked everyone for coming. He reminisced about what it had been like growing up in the Cove. His father's tireless dedication to medicine and research had inspired him to do the same. His mother's faith and love sustained them all. Neil then got up to address the family. Still tall and proud, hair white and thinning, he still had the locks that would not stay put. He kissed Christy's hand and smiled. "This beautiful woman transformed my life. Her faith in God, her courage, and her devotion to us all is boundless. If I could count every star in the night sky, they would not measure the love in my heart for this lady. I wish you could all understand the depth of my feelings right now. Christy, my Lass, you are my rock. Dearest, we face the completion of our dance card. Our life together has been filled with love and sorrow. We've met the good times and survived the bad. We've endured because we have always stood united. We were two, entwined together, our hearts beating as one.May God let us have a few more years together before our dance is finally done." He took her hand and kissed it again gently. Christy's eyes welled with tears. She looked deeply into his eyes and smiled her special smile just for him. She stood, turned to her family and said, "I love you all so very much. In all my dreams, I never imagined how my life would be, living in these mountains with my beloved highland warrior." Neil laughed. "Thank you for sharing this special day with us. We are a lucky family. My darling Neil, thank you for loving me. My love for you is as infinite as the air we breathe. Thank you for giving me children to love and worry about all the time." Everyone laughed. "Neil," she contiued, "You are my soulmate. You have been my rock, as well. I do not know how I could have survived without you. You challenged me at every turn to face myself and grow with every situation. I would like to dedicate this day to three of the most extraordinary people in my life. Your grandparents, Alice Henderson, and William and Julia Huddleston." Everyone cheered. Catherine stood up. "Mother, Father, there is one more surprise for you today." David and Miranda Grantland walked into the yard. Christy began to cry with joy at seeing them again. David said, "I would like all of you to gather around Christy and Neil as I renew their wedding vows." The family was quiet as the ceremony was repeated. Neil turned to his family and said, "My dear ones, let us say grace together and give thanks to our heavenly Father for our wonderful family. You are all so precious to the two of us. Enjoy yourselves and have a good time today. Throughout the rest of the day Christy and Neil remembered all of the cherished memories they held in their hearts. The End.