The rain drops blurred as they hit the windshield leaving twinkling orbs. Admiring them, she smiled.  Music resonated through the car carrying the older model sedan onto the highway ramp. The memories of the night swirled in her mind.  She wore the new dress. She searched for just the right one for weeks. She wanted to drop jaws and she did. When she was escorted into the glass walled room, all eyes were fixed on her.  Her dress sparkled in the soft light coming from the lighting on the ceiling. A smile grew on her husband's face as he recalled walking in with her in that dress on his arm. "You were the most beautiful woman in that restaurant tonight."

When they walked in 4 hours earlier, all the guests turned to the highlighted couple and cheered.  The night was a celebration of their commitment. Both of them were lost in the replay of the night’s events.  They mingled with guests who told favorite stories. The trip to Mexico she took with her best friends, when he finally realized he couldn't be without her.  He bought the ring before she even returned home. Stories about their wedding, honeymoon, birth of children, graduations, even some deaths. But tonight was a celebration of life. Their life, together.  The family they created together. Reminiscing on the stories of their life was better than any gift they received this night. As they turned off the highway, she turned to him and asked, “What was your favorite part of tonight?”

He couldn’t answer this question.  Was it the sweet perfume she has worn since that night in October when they met which she made sure to apply to the back of her neck? Was it that sparkling dress that brought out her eternal beauty?  Was it that their oldest friends had come in from across the country just for them? Was it that their children and their children gathered to show gratitude for the legacy they had given to them? The menu they picked out together to closely match their matrimonial evening menu?  The wine list recommended by their middle child who acts as a amateur sommelier? The entire night was amazing. From getting ready alone with her in their condominium. Watching her apply her makeup. Helping her zip up her dress. Her adjusting his tie and combing his sparse hair to the side. Holding hands in the elevator ride down to the garage where he opened the door for her.  To finally the drive to the restaurant listening to the playlist their youngest made of the songs from their night so many years ago.

While they were stopped a red light, the glow from the light filled the car.  She questioned herself on her favorite mental momento from this magical night.  Was it him in the handsome suit that reminded her of their wedding day?  Was it seeing her grandchildren dressed in formal attire joyously dancing around everyone?  Was it the music that played that took her back to the night of their matrimonial dance? Was it the crisp,fried tortilla of the spicy egg rolls that were one of her favorite dishes? Or the sweet bubbles of the almond wine she loves so much? There were so many details flowing through both of their mind’s thoughts.

What will they always remember about this 50 year celebration?  What was their most cherished part of this magical evening? She pondered as they pulled back into the parking garage. It was the ride home.