It is hard to believe that we are a quarter of the way through the 21st century as we enter 2025. I well remember the beginning of the new millennium when we were all very concerned about Y2K and the worry of a complete meltdown of computer software, electricity grids, and lots of other world-changing possibilities….none of which came to pass. That seems like a lifetime ago, remembering back to Dec. 31, 1999, when my soon-to-be husband and I lived in London and watched the celebratory fireworks along the River Thames.

This reminds me of a question from a young American who asked me if we all waited for the ball to drop in the UK for the new year. I could have been unkind and explained the time difference and said that no we did not wait until 5 a.m. London time to celebrate midnight on the American East coast!

Instead I explained that the British equivalent to New York’s Time Square ball drop is to wait for the chimes of Big Ben which are broadcast by TV and radio across the land.

This famous tower clock has a massive bell and is located at the Houses of Parliament in central London. The first time the chimes of Big Ben were heard outside of their immediate environment was at midnight on Dec.

31, 1923, when the BBC broadcast them to the nation, heralding the New Year and a new tradition that still carries on over 100 years later.

My husband and I chose to take our wedding vows in the year 2000 so – amazingly - this year we are looking forward to our silver wedding anniversary, commemorating 25 years of marriage. For me, marriage meant not only a union with a wonderful American man but also taking on the responsibility of stepchildren and the plan several years later to make the move to America and become a nationalized American citizen. I don’t regret any of it and I am looking forward to our celebration later this year.

Why is 25 years commemorated with silver?

Silver has for centuries symbolized purity, strength, and harmony.

Just as silver is a precious metal that withstands the test of time, a 25-year marriage is a testament to the enduring bond between two individuals.

It signifies the successful navigation of challenges, the growth of love, and the building of a life together.

Since this century, just like our marriage, is 25 years old, I thought it would be interesting to share some interesting facts about the number 25:

• Although legally people are largely considered to be adults at the age of 18, neuroscience has shown that a young person’s cognitive development continues until the prefrontal cortex of the brain has fully developed at the age of 25.

• In the Bible, 25 is a powerful number that is associated with grace, forgiveness, and renewal.

Scripture teaches us that after 25 years, God renewed the covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars.

• In numerology, 25 is a symbol of harmony and balance, and its spiritual message encourages the finding of equilibrium in all aspects of life.

• In Roman numerals, the number 25 is XXV.

• In jewelry, 6 carats is equal to 25 percent of gold mass.

• The M25 is the name of the London Orbital motorway, often referred to as the busiest freeway in the world. We lived close to this major highway and spent many, many hours sitting in traffic on the M25.

• Something done at the 25th hour means it happens after time has run out, indicating desperation, urgency or something occurring at the very last minute.

• In Major League Baseball – a sport which I have never understood or wanted to – 25 is the size of a full roster team for most of the season.

• Surprisingly, it has been 25 years since these movies were released – How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Gladiator, Almost Famous and Castaway.

There is a lot more information at, www.bbc.com, and www.history.com All this talk about time passing reminds me of an excellent quote by 20th century conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, who knew a thing or two about making the most out of he passing years - “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.”

God bless America and wishing everyone health and happiness in 2025!

Lesley can be contacted at lesley@francis.com.