Description
They stand together on this special spot, and remember five decades past when a young couple pledged their love for each other witnessed by friends and family, under a lunar orb where mortals first set foot less than a month before. Memories of August 16, 1969 will never fade, nor will the journeys that followed in waves of subtle and vibrant light. The Forest City brought them together through halls of higher learning, but the Festival City soon claimed them as its own. An uncle’s vision secured a piece of paradise in rugged northern woods, where Armstrong families built humble cottages that would become the catalyst for gatherings of fun and fellowship in years to come. A grandmother’s inheritance gifted them a treasure which came in the form of a blue canoe. A vessel so special, they refused to let it fade away, and that perseverance became the metaphor for their love. The blessing of two children renewed their admiration for this gentle place, for it was there that young and old were re-introduced to the joys of nature and all of its gifts. Grandchildren as well soon learned the lessons and folklore of this land of white pine and gentle waters. They inherently knew that they were blessed, as each trip led them through winding forest roads to a place of love, family history, and a chance to paddle in the blue canoe. Their retirement came in the shape of patchwork quilts, fragrant flowers, carefully manicured greens, and written mysteries that could only be matched by the flicker of British television light. In their fifty years together, they have flown and cruised with French flare to points across this globe. This spot however, will always remain the most special place of learning through childlike discovery, joyful moments, relaxation, and family connectiveness, unchanged from the moment a young couple first stood in embrace and looked across its pristine waters. We thank them for being caretakers of this land, but mostly we thank them for the enduring love they share between themselves, and also their family, on the shores of this special lake we call Livingstone.