1999 was an “adjustment” year for me. As December arrived I was getting into the holiday spirit and looking forward to spending time with my family and friends. I received my invitation to the annual Pink House party and decided I was in a really good place to strike out on my own, be a part of the festivities and mingle with my friends—no agenda in site except to wear my finest dress and have a wonderful evening. Within minutes of arriving and greeting all my special girlfriends I was introduced to Jerry Mosley, a friend of Sheila and Carroll Ogle, that had stopped by for a quick visit and to drop off a Christmas Gift.  The gift, I learned later, was an annual tradition that Jerry and his late wife Jane, a very dear friend of Sheila’s, had given to the Ogles for many years—a White House Collector’s Ornament. I also found out later that Jerry almost didn’t stop and this story would not have been. That ornament has become a very special symbol in our lives.

Jerry and I started chatting and never stopped that first evening . . . over drinks, appetizers, dinner and coffee. During the party we walked up stairs to the cupola as Jerry told me stories about his family being in the house on many occasions over the years. I, too, had attended many events in the Pink House over the years but our paths had never crossed. The evening ended with an exchange of business cards and expectations that we would see each other the following week at a book signing hosted by Sheila and Carroll. So it was there we committed to our first “date” and that was the beginning of our special love affair.  It was meant to be from the beginning.  There were too many coincidences to our meeting at that particular moment in time for us to know it was anything but God’s Hand that brought us together. Jerry and I married five years later and spent our first night as husband and wife at The Matthews House (also owned by Sheila and Carroll) surrounded by our friends and family that  followed our love story from the Pink House.  Carroll officiated our wedding that special day—September 10, 2005—and our story continued. 

Fast forward. Jerry and I recently celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary.  Our beautiful blended family includes Jerry’s two children and my two children and their spouses and seven grandchildren. We have not missed a single Christmas Party at the Pink House in 18 years and we continue the annual tradition of giving the White House Ornament—they now require a tree dedicated to the full collection. Sheila and Carroll graciously agreed to host Jerry’s son’s wedding reception in the Pink House in July 2012 . . . a continuation of our love,  affection and celebration for the Ogles and the place where Jerry and I met. Our holiday plans always include visiting the Pink House, delivering the White House Ornament and a smooch up in the cupola. 

Love and Hugs,

Lana Calloway