Mark, as I think you will come to agree, is a happily married man. Many years ago, when he married Patricia, that ceremony took place out of state, with no guests present. Circumstances dictated events then, and Mark, ever since, wished it could have been different.

Many years later, with his wedding anniversary a week away, Mark decided to change all that. He invited friends and family for a cookout in the backyard. And he also invited me.

Mark described over the phone the story of his original wedding ceremony and how none of his friends or family could attend. He said he wanted to change this by having a renewal of vows in front of his family and friends on the night of his anniversary. A great idea, Mark told everyone; everyone but Patricia.

The night of the anniversary came, a humid summer's evening at their home in Geneva. Mark had me stand by the kitchen door and told me to wait for my cue. Through the door, slightly ajar, I watched and listened.

The guests were all at their tables enjoying their evening as Mark stepped out, and approaching Patricia, he crept down and said to her:

"Patricia, it has been many years since we married, and I hope you have enjoyed our journey as much as I have, but if you had to do it all over again,- would you? Almost stunned and with a smiling but startled look on her face she said "Yes dear, you know I would.."

With that I stepped through the door and at six foot two, wearing a dark suit, and holding a briefcase, and my identity completely unknown to her, she must have thought I was a federal agent.

The guests fell silent as I too knelt beside her, saying: "Many years ago when you took your vows to Mark, your family and friends weren't present. Mark would like to change that now. Would you like to renew your vows to him this night?"
 
 
Their friends and families rose and huddled around them as they once again exchanged their vows and rings. Both of their faces rippling with emotion as they did so; those of their families as well.

This time, in the midst of those families, they embraced once again as newlyweds. The photo above records this moment. Patricia, holding the bouquet Mark bought for her, is looking into his eyes. The photo cannot let you hear the applause that is taking place, but in her eyes you can see her reflecting on her man, her marriage, and on how lucky she is.

Whether given as a surprise gift as Mark did, or formally planned out at a banquet facility with hundreds of guests, or the two of you coming to Chicago to renew your vows in front of Buckingham Fountain;- what physical anniversary gift rivals this?