Would You Do It Again?

Would you renew your marriage vows?

And if so, after how many years would you do it?

Five? Ten? Twenty? How about after fifty years?

I'm asking the question today because last night I attended a lovely ceremony for a couple who got married again after 20 years of marriage.

For as long as I can remember, she has always been a part of the family.

She is one of my mom's dearest friends, and she is really one of the nicest people on this planet.

Even though she is not related to me by blood, she is family, and we call her Aunt Merlene or Aunt Merl, for short.

Last night, after twenty years of marriage, all the ups and downs, the good and bad, she and her husband of two decades, surrounded by family and close friends, decided to do it all over again.

They walked down the aisle again.

They said their vows again.

They exchanged rings again.

They were announced as man and wife again.

They went through all the ceremonial hoopla again.

You see, the first time they did it, it wasn't quite what they wanted.

Twenty years ago, it was just the two of them at the court house.

This time, they wanted to do it the right way, and celebrate this milestone occasion.

Picture last night's setting....a backyard extravaganza complete with white tables, white chairs, white tablecloths, a pool surrounded by glowing votive candles, red and white balloons, a DJ, hors d'oeuvres, and a complete buffet meal to feed the scores of people who came dressed for the semi-formal occasion.

Whatever their reasons were to renew their vows, it was a special night.

I mean... who needs a reason to celebrate love, right?

Aunt Merl and her son, Kevin who walked her down the aisle

Aunt Merl was B-E-A-utiful; she reminded my of a fairy princess.

She looked young, and vibrant, and so happy; most of the night she was laughing with her signature infectious giggle.

That's what love does to you.

So what do you think?

I would love to hear your comments.

Would you do it all over again?

What would be the ideal way to renew your vows?