The Story of Per and Lilly (née Christensen) Falkenberg-Andersen

Per and Lilly spent their wedding night in a little shack in town. They'd had fun fixing it up and now it was their first home. Early the next morning, they woke up to a loud knocking at the door. They heard voices and laughter. Who could be outside?

Suddenly they recalled the old custom and looked at one another in horror. Here? They wouldn't––would they?

Per called, Wait, we'll be there in a moment! He and Lilly jumped out of bed, fumbled around for their clothes and dressed hastily. A disheveled Per opened the door.

True to custom, a group of smiling faces looked up at him. A group of ten ladies had come to visit to the newlyweds. They presented Per and Lilly with coffee and bread, then waited, eyes twinkling.

Come in, come in, Per said. Welcome to our house. But Lilly was embarrassed––she had not expected this would happen in Dickson. What could she possibly offer them? Unless...would they accept a glass of the wine they had bought for the wedding dinner and never used? The ladies hesitated, then graciously nodded their heads. Lilly had no proper wineglasses but that didn't matter. She used her pretty new water glasses, received yesterday.

Freshly baked bread, strong coffee, piping hot. Then a lovely big glass of wine. They sampled both white and red. A cozy time was had by all.

When the ladies took their leave, some were obviously novice tipplers. As Per and Lilly watched from the doorway, several ladies wobbled a bit and none walked very straight. Judging by the loud chatter and giggling, all were in fine spirits. The customary visit had been a success.

Per and Lilly went back to bed. Newlyweds.

Adapted from the 2007 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada

Teasers:
• Will Lilly ever get used to Canada? Will Per be restless forever?