My parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary was an unforgettable event. I started the day by picking up a bouquet of roses and a heartfelt postcard. Stopping by Robera Coffee for an espresso and a quick shoe shine, I made sure to dress my best for the occasion, excited for what lay ahead on a beautiful Sunday.

As I checked my pocket from time to time, feeling the small ring box inside, I thought back to Saturday afternoon when I had wrestled with the perfect gift idea. After considering several options, I visited an antique jeweller at Century Mall, renowned for crafting stunning silver and gold pieces adorned with diamonds, pearls, emeralds, topaz, rubies, and sapphires. My fascination with fine craftsmanship had led me there before, but this time, I was on a mission.

To my surprise, some prices were quite reasonable. A silver ring with tiny diamond accents was available for around 6,000 Br, a revelation for someone who had always assumed diamonds were only for the ultra-rich. Even in trace quantities, their brilliance was undeniable, especially when set in gold and silver.

I was searching for a pair of elegant silver rings, each adorned with a precious gemstone. Luckily, I found two Italian silver rings set with matching purple amethysts. The Ethiopian craftsman’s skill in seamlessly blending the silver with the gemstones was nothing short of extraordinary. Given the level of craftsmanship, the price was more than fair.

The rings came in a single case bearing the jeweller’s insignia, and I hoped they would be a delightful surprise. Guessing the right sizes was a challenge, and despite the salesgirl’s caution, I took the risk. Much to my relief, they fit perfectly. Watching my parents place the rings on each other’s fingers as a renewal of their vows from 50 years ago was a deeply moving moment. The new silver rings, set with amethysts, complemented their gold wedding bands, adding a touch of elegance and symbolism.

It is incredible what one can find with a little imagination and effort. The rings were an instant hit, especially among the younger guests, who gave their enthusiastic approval. But most importantly, my parents were overjoyed, not just by the beauty of the rings but by the love and meaning they represented.

The anniversary celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and surprises. One of the highlights was my brother’s poetry reading, a piece he had written specifically for the occasion, titled "What Does 50 Years Mean?" His witty and humorous lines amused everyone at first, but as he went on, the depth of his words became clear. He masterfully conveyed the love, commitment, and resilience it took for our parents to stay together for half a century. His heartfelt performance was met with thunderous applause, adding an unforgettable touch to the afternoon.

Gifts were exchanged, and a delightful meal was enjoyed by all. Just when we thought the surprises were over, a taxi arrived at my parents' doorstep, delivering a live sheep to be slaughtered for the occasion. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. The gift came from a close relative in Germany, whom I had informed the day before so he could send his congratulations. Unbeknownst to us, he had made arrangements through contacts in Addis to deliver this unexpected present. A live video call allowed him to witness the event, including the arrival of the sheep he had sponsored from overseas.