25th Anniversary

1950 All our children really gave us the surprise of our life on our 25th anniversary. Many years earlier my husband used to joke and say, “I'm taking our family to the Casa Mana in Teaneck for a bologna sandwich on our 25th anniversary.” We had been there for a church party. We thought it was a nice place. Our children took the hint and worked on it from there on.

They all chipped in, sent everyone written invitations, and hired a band. One of our friends was a photographer. He and his wife were invited. He took all the pictures, then he gave them to us as a gift. The pictures are beautiful. We put them in an album.

Carmela came to pick us up. She said, “We are taking you and Dad to the Casa Mana for dinner.” When we got there I told my daughter I wanted to eat in a certain room. She said, “Yes, Mom, we will eat there, but first come and see how they did over the Starlight Room.” We proceeded to follow her. When the door opened my husband and I had the surprise of our lives. It was as though we had gone on the “This is Your Life” television program.

Everyone shouted, “Happy Anniversary!” Our friend took a picture of us as we came through the door. My daughter was hugging me and I was crying. My husband's eyes were as big as saucers with such a look of surprise on his face. It took us about ten minutes before we took in all the different faces. They invited 70 people including our best man, maid of honor and one of the ushers. All our relatives, children, and many friends were there. They asked if anyone had anything to say about Tony. Nothing but good was said.

They asked me to say something. I said, “All I can say is that he is a good husband, a wonderful father, a very hard worker and he has always provided well.”

My son John said, “Mom, please sing the little Spanish song you used to sing to us when we were small.” He liked the song, so I sang it. Everyone clapped and teased me, saying, “We didn't know you could speak Spanish.” I had had two years of Spanish in high school. That is where I learned the song.