Pick o' the Day: My Incredible Encounter With Colorado Wildlife!

     On my final day in Colorado last month, I had an absolutely unbelievable encounter with a magnificent buck (a male deer for you city-folk) in my sister Vonda's backyard, and luckily I had my video camera with me to film it.  It was such a weird and unexpected brush with nature that I'm convinced no one would believe me if I hadn't gotten this incredible footage.  And as I think about it now, I realize it was one of those "once in a lifetime" interactions with wildlife that one could only dream of having, and I'm still shaking my head in disbelief that it actually happened.  But it did!  Enjoy!

[Double-click on the video for full-screen]



Credits

Blaine Paradise     as     Blaine Paradise

Tom Ledbetter      as     The Deer
Joe Paradise     as     Tom Ledbetter

The State of Colorado     as     Herself

 

Pick o' the Day: A Romantic and Touching Moment Part II

     Shortly after he sang "Roses" to his sweetheart (see last week's post), Vaughn found himself dancing with Lorna to the song "Through the Years" as everyone else formed a circle around them and joined in singing the chorus. And when the song was finished, everyone converged for a massive group hug! Then the dance floor opened up for all the loving couples to dance to "Forever's As Far As I'll Go. 

[Double-click on the video for full-screen]

 

     I'm sorry that the video stopped before the end of the second song, but I think you will agree with me that Vaughn and Lorna's love for each other was contagious, and it spread to all who were present.

     I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to put this lovely, lovely gathering together and all who came and all who sent their love.  It turned out to be a very special night, indeed.  God has blessed this family beyond imagining, and we are so very grateful for all the gifts like this which He has given to us.



 

Pick o' the Day: Probably the Most Romantic and Touching Moment You Will See This Year

 (First, the story behind the video)

 

 

    Last weekend, all of my brothers and sisters and I were granted by the Lord the great privilege and honor of being with our parents, Vaughn and Lorna Paradise, as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  A lovely party was put together, complete with decorations, dinner, and dancing, and it was all just as beautiful and sweet as one could have hoped for.  The room was filled with family and friends, and laughter and smiles, and kisses and hugs, and a whole lot of love, to be sure.  But as anyone who has ever been to a Paradise Family gathering knows, there is always the possibility of a surprise that makes the occasion extra-memorable, and we were certainly not to be disappointed this time!
     The great surprise of the night came from our father who, unbeknownst to the rest of us, had quietly planned a humble expression of love to his bride that turned out to be one of the most amazingly romantic and touching moments I have ever witnessed in my entire life.  We had all finished eating and were conversing at our tables, when someone quieted the room to allow Grandpa Vaughn to say a few words.  He rose to his feet as his granddaughter Vitoria brought him a vase of roses.  After cracking a joke about having the right to "embarass his offspring," he suddenly became very serious.  He asked Grandma Lorna to stand, and he told her the roses were for her.  He then cleared his throat and, to the utter astonishment of the gathered onlookers, began singing her an a capella rendition of  the old Jim Reeves song, "Roses."

Roses
I send you roses
With all the love
Their tender blossoming discloses
Just like my arms
They'll open wide
You'll see my heart inside

Please dear
Embrace the roses
Until I come to you
And when the long day closes

Our spark of love
Will burst to flame
And put the red red roses to shame

     Halfway through, he quietly broke down, overcome with emotion.  Grandma Lorna smiled and told him to keep singing.  He then soldiered (or rather, "airmanned") his way through to the end.  Whether or not he sang the song perfectly on key or exactly as written is of no importance.  His message was as clear as a bell... that this beautiful woman was his beloved bride, the great love of his life, and he wanted her to hear this from him in front of all the family members who were present to witness it.  And for those who were unable to be there, this video of that moment is for you.

[Double-click on the video for full-screen]

     It has long been known that the Paradise boys (and girls) are hopeless romantics, and we have always suspected it was due to something in our DNA.  And this just confirmed it.  Thank you, Dad, for doing this for Mom.  I know it took a lot of courage to do, but it showed us just how strong true love can be, even after 60 years of marriage.  And this great love the two of you share truly is an amazing inspiration to us all.