The Magic Number Twenty-Four
This year, the word 'twenty-four' has become a magical word. The magic of the word 'twenty-four' takes place on June 30, 2025. The magic time will occur around 10:00 AM. It probably will be a very hot day as it is normally is in Georgia during the month of June.
In spite of the heat, something magic will take place on that special day and time. What makes that day so special? And what exactly makes it magic? And what is so special and magical about the number twenty-four anyway? It is just another number, isn't it? Well, the number twenty-four indicates twenty-four years. The magic actually started twenty-four years before the date indicated above.
The magic had its start in the city of Toccoa, Georgia. The exact location was at Toccoa Falls on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. The starting date was Saturday, June 30, 2001. The time was about 10:00 AM. There was a light rain coming down that morning. Almost all of the attendees at the magic event (a few friends and family members) were holding umbrellas as they walked down the path to the beautiful 186 foot tall waterfall. The falls, as usual, were spectacular. A local pastor was there in his suit and holding an umbrella. And no, none of the people there had any idea just how magical this event would eventually become.
Toccoa Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in north Georgia. Somehow though, my eyes were not on the majestic waterfall that morning. My eyes were on the beautiful woman standing there who had agreed to marry me. It had been quite a surprise to me that she had agreed to marry me since my record on relationships was not the best. Evidently, she saw something deep in me that the others could not see.
So twenty-four years ago, in the rain and in front of a beautiful waterfall, that I had little reason to look at on that magic day, I married the woman of my dreams. I married the woman that quickly became my soul mate and best friend.
On that day twenty-four years ago, I loved her so much that I did not think that I could love her any deeper. Over the years, I found out that I was wrong about that, Every year I learn to appreciate her more. I have learned that when you are married to the right person there is no limit to your love for them. You love them more every year.
This woman has now nursed me through two major cancer battles. She has literally picked me up off the floor when I have fallen. At times, she has taken over chores that I normally took care of when I was no longer able to do them. Twice she has rushed me to the emergency room when I thought I was dying.
Yes, June 30, 2025 will be a magic day. The number 'twenty-four' becomes magic on that day. It will mark twenty-four years since I stood in the rain in front of an amazing waterfall and married the woman that I probably did not deserve. And now, twenty-four years later, we are going stronger than ever. Neither one of us can imagine life without the other one. Now, that is truly magic!
And by the way, that magical woman is still just as beautiful. She has aged by twenty-four years just like I have. She is still beautiful to me. But even more important than her outward beauty is her inner beauty. She is a magical creature!
Carl B. Seay
Written June 20, 2025