Talk about milestones! We celebrated as my handsome husband, Don, turned 99 this weekend. According to the US Census for 2023, .0% of men lived to 99 (https://www.census.gov/popclock/data_tables.php?component=pyramid). God has been very gracious to him, and to us, with his continued health. Don and I consider ourselves greatly blessed in the love we share.

Preparation for 99

The last weeks were intense as I planned, coordinated, organized and shopped for his party. One of my dear friends in The Villages prepared all the food–a huge job, which she did superbly! Deanne and I enjoyed shopping together for decorations, raffle gifts, and food. She picked up balloons by herself and I don’t know how she saw through her car windows!

Setting Up

We had great help to set up, from grandchildren, sons, daughters, and friends. A son and daughter of Don’s grilled all the skewers, hamburgers and hot dogs Deanne had prepared. Our leftovers–grilled chicken and veggies—and some cake!—will sustain us for the next few days. Look at that picture of a young Don Loewen (center).

Hanging Out

Best of all was to see many people we love learning to know each other, enjoying sitting around underneath trees or shade umbrellas, hanging out and catching up with each other. (Sorry, I don’t have all the photos yet.)

Don’s Legacy at 99

Several of Don’s family members spoke about his impact on their lives. His integrity, honesty, kindness and generosity were frequent themes. Those have all been true throughout our marriage and I am humbly grateful!

I spoke of how we met in a widow/widower grief recovery class, discovered more and more we shared in common from faith to values to interests. And I saw Don’s loving heart when he felt “the Lord put his hand on my shoulder” (his words) and told him “I want you to take care of him”–“him” being a homeless recovering alcoholic who had recently lost his beloved wife. Don cared for Dwayne, inviting him to live with Don after “safe houses” turned out to be unsafe. Dwayne lived with Don, then with the two of us until he passed away about eight months after we married.  Don is an amazing gift from God in my life. (https://www.carolloewen.com/making-room-for-love-a-second-time-around/)

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

So for what good gift are you thanking God today?