Ode to Mom and Dad

Happily Ever After - A Tale of Epoch Proportions!

Or, Sometimes Life is Like a Fairy Tale

A long time ago in a land far, far away there lived a lovely princess named Emma. Having grown up in the small kingdom of Fredonia, Arizona, and wanting to know more about the big world, Emma longed for the thrill and adventure that could only come by traveling to the big city. Finally, after graduating from High School in 1946, the Princess Emma and her sister were allowed to leave home and embark on the much longed for journey.

They arrived in St. George, Utah, - a much larger and grander kingdom than they had ever imagined – in August. It was very hot in this new kingdom, but Princess Emma loved it there and decided to study at Dixie College so that she would become wise and find her prince. She worked and studied hard under the Dixie sun and decided that this kingdom was alright. But even though she was having such a fun time, she could tell that something was missing from her life.

Also living in the great kingdom of St. George - but unknown by Princess Emma - was a handsome Prince named Kay. Prince Kay had also graduated from High School in 1946 and was fast becoming a very fine young man. When the country went to war, of course he joined and served well, from Fort Douglas, Utah, to Fort Lewis, Washington then to Fort Bliss, Texas, he did all he could to help keep his country free. Finally, he was allowed to rejoin his family back in the kingdom of St. George.

When Prince Kay returned home, he also decided to study at Dixie College so that he could gain the wisdom he needed to someday rule his own kingdom, and maybe find a worthy princess to rule with him.

Time went by and finally our Princess Emma caught just a glimpse of Prince Kay. When she looked at him, she knew in her heart that she was looking at her other half. She wrote home to her mother that she had met the man she wanted to marry. She didn’t know who he was, but she was determined to meet him somehow.

There was to be a great ball in the kingdom. All the youth of the land were eager to see who would be asked to attend. Of course, Princess Emma hoped to be asked by Prince Kay. Unfortunately, another young man, Art, asked our princess to the dance and presented her with a flower. Princess Emma accepted the flower and attended the dance with Art.

Prince Kay also attended the dance with another maiden. The two couples were seated at the same table, so Emma and Kay were able to talk to each other a little. But since each was with someone else, they weren’t able to spend much time together.

Prince Kay felt an instant connection with Princess Emma, and had told a friend that he had met his future bride. However, this made him very sad because he thought that she liked Art more. Kay wondered how he could ever convince Princess Emma to change her mind and marry him.

Unbeknownst to Prince Kay, Princess Emma was not so smitten with Art, in fact, she threw away the flower that he gave her at the dance!

As fate would have it, one day when Princess Emma was studying at the library, Prince Kay walked in with some of his friends. They sat down at the very table where Princess Emma was studying! Emma decided that this was by providence and that she should make him aware of her feelings. While no one was looking, she wrote a note, folded it over, put his name on it and passed it around the table. When it got to Kay, he opened it and read, “How many girls have asked you out to the Girl’s Day Ball?” Prince Kay’s eyes opened wide and his heart started beating so fast he thought it would burst out of his chest. With shaking hands, he wrote down, “none” to which Princess Emma replied, “Will you go with me?” Our prince, not being a fool, and recognizing a good thing when he saw it, answered “Yes!”

Well, gentle reader, you know how the story goes from here. Princess Emma and Prince Kay became engaged at the Fireman’s Ball, and were married in the St. George Temple on January 14, 1950. They have been married for 60 years and have a great many descendants. They have 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren!

They are responsible for producing business owners, secretaries, principals, lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses, photographers, tile layers, magicians, mechanics, bankers, artists, beauticians, nutritionists, scrap bookers, rock stars, massage therapists, actors, stage managers, athletes, dancers, missionaries, jewelers, watchmen, scientists, counselors, pianists, and who knows what the future will bring!

This, my friend, is living happily ever after!

The Actual Wedding Picture:

Seymour & Gladys Mitchell, Kay & Emma, Melinda & John Brooksby


Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad! We had a great time at your party.


(Story written by Kathy, Based on a true story!)