Friday, November 22, 2013

A 70th Anniversary Celebration

My parents recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, and my husband and I commemorated their extraordinary milestone by taking them to Branson, Missouri, to see one of their favorite performers, Daniel O'Donnell.  

For those of you who aren't familiar with Daniel, he is a warm and personable Irish singer and entertainer, known for his close relationship with his fan base.  His name is a household word across Ireland and Great Britain, and his once-a-year shows in Branson are sold out months in advance.

Daniel's music has been described as a mix of country and Irish folk, but it's his renditions of the sacred old hymns we all know and love that touch the hearts and bring tears to the eyes of his audiences.

If you would like to hear Daniel sing "Amazing Grace," you can click on the link below:


Although we had seen Daniel's performances on PBS television, and have several cds of his music, this was our first time to see Daniel perform live ... and it was truly an uplifting and thrilling experience, especially for my parents.  My mother actually cried when he took the stage at the beginning of the concert.  

As entertaining and fun and outstanding as his performance was, the most thrilling moment came after the show when his fans had the opportunity to meet Daniel and be photographed with him. Needless to say, we were very excited and stood in line for about 15 minutes for the privilege of actually meeting him in person.

I can't say enough good things about Daniel O'Donnell.  If you have never had the opportunity to see one of his shows or hear his music, I urge you to do so.  He is not only a talented performer, but he is a beautiful person inside, too ... and wins the hearts of his fans, all over the world ... both young and old alike.

As we stood in line, I watched him visit with his fans and could see up close and personal his compassion and respect for each and every person.  He took time to visit with them as he autographed copies of his cds and graciously posed with them for photographs.

He took extra time with my parents when my mother told him that we had brought them to see his show in celebration of their 70th anniversary.  He seemed to be genuinely pleased and honored, and treated them with utmost kindness and warmth.     


Daniel's show was the highlight of the trip, but we also enjoyed a little shopping while we were there. Our hotel, the Hilton Convention Center, located on the waterfront of the downtown historic district, was directly across the street from Branson Landing, an upscale shopping complex.  Mama and I especially enjoyed visiting the Brighton store there. 

The Ozark Mountains were beautiful this time of year, with plentiful scenes like the one below, which I captured from the car.  Not too bad, considering we were traveling at around 70 miles per hour.  


Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, but I can honestly say that the memories we shared during our trip to Branson, will be remembered and cherished by the four of us for a very long time.

5 comments:

Pat said...

Oh! Janie! What a beautiful post. I know your parents so appreciated their trip to Branson. Your mother is still very beautiful ... an inspiration to all of us!

Had never heard of Daniel O'Donnell, but did so enjoy the YouTube segment you included of him singing Amazing Grace.

You brought back memories ... My husband and I enjoyed staying at the Branson Hilton Convention Center and enjoying dinner at a wonderful restaurant in Branson Landing ... a charming complex.

Happy 70th Anniversary to your Mother and Father.

Pat in Tallahassee

RachelD said...

Oh, Janie! An experience of a lifetime. What a trip, and what a milestone!

I've somehow missed ever hearing of him, but if he has such a talent and a spirit, I'm certainly going to listen.

And your Mama and Daddy---what dear, pleasant people! Remember the scene in the movie when John Merrick looks at the picture and says, "They have such NOBLE faces." You can just see the real-meaning-of-the-word right there, written in those kind, open expressions, of lives well lived and well dedicated.

I know you count your blessings every day, for having been theirs, for sharing such a happy, faith-filled life with them, and for their long years you've had to be with them. And YOU are at the top of their Blessings-List, as well.

And you took that picture from the CAR? 99% of the rest of us would have to be stopped, with a good sturdy arm-rest and tripod and the wind just right. Simply stunning. See, I think you and I have a symbiotic relationship when it comes to photos---I get all the telephone poles and bushes-in-the-way and Cracker Barrel signs, and you get the wide open vistas, with every leaf and shrub swept and polished and in its place. Works for me, as long as you're sharing.

love and,

rachel


Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Glad to hear you had a good time in my neck of the woods. I'm in Springfield less than an hour away.
Come back anytime y'all. LOL

Carolyn said...

Congratulations on your parents anniversary! What a blessing to still have them with you.
I love the pastoral photo..I know you had a beautiful time.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Carolyn

Churaipon Chintakanont Klaijumlang said...

I love reading about your parents and grandchildren. It is very beautiful, and also living testimonies to us all. What a blessed life you are living!

Thank you for a 'snap shot' of the Ozark Mountain. It is absolutely beautiful. And, I have to agree with another friend who commented earlier that to capture a picture like this for many of us would be quite a task. This is a magic touch!!!

.... yet, if you are reading this comment this morning, please pray for Thailand and a very chaos situation at the moment. Please pray for peace and that the Lord would kindly deliver us all. Please pray Psalm 37 for us. Thank you.