Friday 14 May 2010

My Bride!

This is my bride. We renewed our vows last year. It was a very precious time. I almost passed out and had to sit down while up on the platform. It was too emotional of a time for me.

This July we will have been married 45 years. We have had a great marriage (I think we both agree on that!) but not without its moments of crisis' like most marriages. But we have grown through those tough times and have both been willing to learn and adjust as the years have gone by.

Do you know what is special about this picture - to me? It may surprise you, but it is her veil. You see that is the veil she wore on our wedding day on July 10th, 1965, 45 years ago. The veil is a little darker, yellow tint, age has taken away some of its original color. What is amazing is that mama has not changed at all, well a little prettier now.

Today life is getting tougher. This past week we discovered that mama has cancer. Treatable, but serious. It can not be blown off. It is not something I can fix. I can't walk away and not deal with it. We must. There have been times that mama has asked for my help, maybe simply ask me to listen better and I walked away. Through the years I have been learning and listening to mama and my Savior better. This is not my marriage, it is OUR marriage now. It is not mama who is just in trouble now. It is just as much me, she is my life. If I could I would grab each of you by the shoulder, husband or wife, and look you into the face and simply say, "How are you doing with your best friend?" I know some of you are single, maybe a single parent, but I would still grab you by the shoulder and ask the same question. You see mama is my best friend - almost. Jesus is my very bestest friend. So, how are you doing with your best friend?

16 comments:

Indian Lake Papa said...

This is Mama: I am at peace with my BESTEST Friend, JESUS, and thankful I have Papa by my side too as we go though this cancer time. You see, God knew before HE brought Papa and I together that we would be where we are today. What a comfort. MAMA

Parsley said...

Praying for you IL Mama and Papa. Praying God gives wisdom to the docs and wisdom about how to treat. "Please God, hold them in your hands. Carry them."

Ed said...

Mama & Papa you are the most loving couple I know.

I think Jesus looks forward to the time you spend with him, in your prayers, and how you lead your life.

Love and faith is all we can ask for, and it's what will get you past this obstacle life has put in front of you.

As always you are in my thoughts, and wishes, for a speeded recovery.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Parsley - Your prayers are so greatly appreciated! Mama and Papa are close to each other - and Jesus!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed, your words are very kind! THank you - sure wish you were our neighbor here! It would be great to just sit and talk with you.

Life Adapted said...

Papa and Mama, I will faithfully pray for you. I hate cancer. You are both such statements of love and faith. May God bless you as you go through this trial. Where ever God brings you, He goes with you. Your testimony is overwhelming.

Be ever so blessed.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - Thank you so much for your prayers! We are doing great! God has given us both great peace. We love you guys and miss you both.

Michelle said...

I admit I'm not doing so well with my best friend, but I can say my Bestest Friend is working hard on both of us. We feel a bit like the storms of life have pulled us under a huge rip tide and we're working hard to swim free. It is good to see y'all's example of love and commitment.

I have been praying for you both. And AMEN, Mama! God is not at all surprised, is He?!? I find that the most comforting thought as we continue to move through life's storms.

I'm praying for God's blessings on you both.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - my dad use to be a lifeguard on the beaches of Lake Michigan. He rescued many people that got caught in riptides. Struggling against them was not the answer, trying to get back to shore was not the answer - you had to go to deeper water and get above it. Then it lets go and you can start for shore. Maybe you are fighting at the wrong place? God bless! We appreciate your prayers. God is faithful!

Anonymous said...

Papa and Mama, I love you both very much and will continue to pray for all of God's grace and mercy for you on this journey. I'm so thankful for your example of friendship and love in marriage. Over the past year my husband has truly become my best friend, and we have made that relationship our #2 priority this year, second only to our relationship with Jesus! I can't wait to see you both tomorrow!

Michelle said...

Oh...wow.
Thank you, Papa.

Deeper water...yes sir. That's what we need.

:)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hisgrace- He has been so close to us!!We love him supremely. See ya in hours.

Michelle - we need to go deeper - regardless how deep we already are!!

mandy said...

Oh papa... My heart hurts for the both of you. I can't imagine how difficult this is.
I will pray for you.

And, thank you for asking how I'm doing with my best friend. We're in a few difficult conversations right now, and adjusting to life back home in full-time ministry, and all the (necessary or unnecessary) busy-ness that comes with the territory. But we're working it out. Working it through.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Mandy - Mama and I had those "discussions" years ago as well. Today our communication is good - always can do better. But when the crisis hits we KNOW we are there for each other. And God has been there all along. Love you and will pray for you.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

What a precious post. It brought tears to my eyes. God bless you! My love and prayers are with you all.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle-O - Thank you for stopping by. Your prayers will be very special to us! God bless!!