Today was a magical day – my 70th birthday and my 47th wedding anniversary, two milestones intertwined in the most beautiful way. My husband, always the creative one, has outdone himself this year.
For weeks, I noticed him sneaking off to his workshop, claiming to be ‘fiddling’. I didn’t pay much attention to it – he’s always had little projects going on. But today, during our family celebration, he appeared before me with a look on his face like I hadn’t seen since he proposed and handed me a large wrapped box. Inside was a wedding dress he had hand-knitted. Every detail, every train had been made with love.
‘You made this?’ whispered I, stunned.
‘I wanted to give you something to show you how much these years have meant to me,’ he said, his eyes full of pride. As I hugged him, tears filled mine. The dress wasn’t just beautiful – it was a symbol of our shared love and commitment.’
The surprises continued with a vow renewal in the garden, surrounded by our children and grandchildren. As I put on the dress, I felt like I had stepped into the past, complete with years of our life together. Hand in hand, we said our vows, which were now even more meaningful.
But then Marcia, my brother’s wife, said mockingly. ‘A crocheted wedding dress at 70? Shouldn’t you be wearing something more dignified?’
Her words hurt, but my son quickly rose to our defence. ‘This dress is not just a dress. It’s a symbol of love, patience, and devotion. It represents everything my parents have built together.’
His support and the love of my children and grandchildren reminded me that love is more important than judgement. Later, sitting with my husband and admiring the sunset, I realised that the dress, like our marriage, was ours alone. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought.
So, I ask you: Is a crocheted wedding dress inappropriate at 70, or does love transcend age and expectations?
