An Illuminating Anniversary

   Matt wanted to surprise his wife with something special for their anniversary. He was sure she would never expect it. In the 10 years they had been married he had never done more than buy a card to celebrate the occasion. The start of their marriage had been simple.  At the time, they thought gathering their two families and groups of friends for a wedding would be too expensive for their budget and stressful due to logistics. They opted out. A few weeks later a trip to the Justice of the Peace made it official.  They planned to celebrate with friends and family on their 10th anniversary.

    The 10^th anniversary had arrived but, the big expensive anniversary party had not. Logistics were no longer a problem but, finances were. With the addition of a new baby last year and a toddler expenses were steep.  Matt’s single income was stretched each paycheck to meet the family obligations.  Matt worked hard in his role as Chief Financial Officer of a real estate management firm but, his earnings were just not compensation enough for his efforts. He knew he was paying his dues and increases would come as his experience and knowledge grew. He could not help from feeling disappointment that he was unable to throw the party this year.

    Matt was determined to make this anniversary special with or with out an anniversary party. It was time to get things together for the surprise he had planned. He started in the living room. He closed the sliding glass door and drew the blinds to serve as a backdrop for the romantic evening. He decided to set up the bistro table and two small chairs from the kitchen and arranged them in front of the blinds. Next, he needed a table covering of some kind. He remembered that the tablecloths were kept in the dining room in the drawers of the hutch. After rummaging around though the drawers he found a perfect white round tablecloth. He gave the cloth a shake and floated it over the tabletop. Beautiful!

    What next? He stood back to picture his vision. Candles were in order. Not just any candle but, the anniversary candle that they had received as a wedding gift. The candle had a marriage announcement embedded in a light layer of wax on the front of it. The whole candle illuminated when lit. He remembered that his wife kept the candle and other small wedding day remembrances on the top shelf of her closet. He located the box and found the candle. The only other item in the box was an old picture taken of them by the Justice of the Peace’s wife on the day. They were both so young and beautiful he thought. She had not changed a bit. Matt put the candle in the center of the table along with the picture he had found. He located a lighter in a kitchen drawer and placed it on the table for later. 

    Matt collected the place settings and silverware from the kitchen and set the table for their dinner. He had the dinner under control, Chinese food and cheesecake would be delivered in a few minutes. Her favorites. While the champagne chilled, Matt located the ice bucket and champagne flutes and got them on the table. On his way home he had stopped and purchased a dozen red roses and card. He placed the card and red roses wrapped in tissue at her place at the table. He found a vase in the kitchen and placed it in a handy place for use later. He was almost ready and thank goodness! His wife had just called to say she was on her way home from picking up their daughters from pre-school and daycare. She was heading home after a quick run to the grocery store. She asked if he needed anything and said she would be home in an hour. 

         Great! He still had an hour to finish up. One last thing to do. He ran to the bedroom and retrieved the small box he had hidden in his sock drawer.   The little black box was wrapped in a red satin box. He laid the box on her side of the table.  He was so excited about the necklace he had found for her. The necklace was not gold but, the sterling silver was a beautiful alternative. Her birthstone was a garnet for the month of January.  Gold and new diamonds could wait. Matt thought about the beautiful diamond anniversary ring he saw at the jewelry store and dreamed of the day he would surprise her with one of those. He knew it would happen. Just a few more years of hard work and he could double his salary. He always kept the faith.

    Shower time! Matt got cleaned up and dressed in date night attire just in time. He was towel drying his hair as he answered the doorbell to the Chinese food delivery man. Matt tipped the man and carried the food containers to the kitchen. He started to unpack and heard the garage door start to open. It was her. She was home with a car full of groceries. Matt thought it was strange that she did not have their daughter with them. He soon discovered that her mother had picked their daughter up earlier in the afternoon. Wow! That worked out beautifully! He helped his wife unload the car full of groceries. He then led her to the living room to unveil his surprise.

    Matt lit the candle while his wife cried. She was so surprised that he remembered let alone even knew where she kept the candle and picture. She hugged and kissed him and handed him the card she had just purchased at the grocery card. She had forgotten to sign it. Matt knew it was the thought that counted. He took her coat and sat her down at the table and began to serve dinner. They enjoyed the meal, bubbly, and quiet time together with no kids. When they finished eating Matt urged her to open the box. She loved the necklace and wanted to put in on right away. Matt wondered if she was disappointed with the gift. They had not talked about the fact that it was their 10^th anniversary and that the dream party had not happened. Just as Matt started to bring it up his wife had to excuse herself to the bedroom. 

    She came out a few minutes later with her clothes changed into a party dress fit for any date night. Right about then the doorbell rang. Matt wondered who in the world it might be. He opened the door to see a black stretch limo with a driver waiting for them. His wife Deborah said, “Let’s get going.” Matt was stunned and bewildered. Deborah laughed and told him to just be quiet and get his jacket. They jumped in the limo and off they went. Matt demanded to know what was going on. Deborah told him that this was her surprise. After a short trip, the limo ride came to a stop in front of Matt’s favorite restaurant.  As they pulled up Matt could see many people he knew as well as relatives. What was up? Deborah had to confess.

    Deborah explained it was the anniversary party they had always wanted and planned to happen on their tenth anniversary.  Matt could not believe it! He asked how in the world this could be and how could she afford to do this? Matt confessed that he had been disappointed that he was not able to plan the event this year. His wife told him the story of how she had been squirreling away money wherever she could for the past ten years into a tenth anniversary party fund. She was determined to make this happen.

     Matt and Deborah hustled into the restaurant and joined the private party going on inside and were met with cheers from all those in attendance.  Matt reached into his pocket and pulled out the framed picture he had found at the house in the box with the illuminating candle. Matt and Deborah both looked at the picture and smiled as they thought of that day. That day ten years ago when they started the planning for this special event. Even though they did not bring the illumination candle along they realized they were illuminating lights for each other. This party was all they had dreamed of and more.