“I NOW THEE WED”,
Half a Century Later….

”LICENSE TO WED”…..
About six months after graduation from school, my high school sweetheart and I, both eighteen years old, were married at the Huffines Baptist Church about eight miles northwest of McLeod, Texas, on the Atlanta highway. The Reverend N. S. Moody officiating. Both sets of each of our parents were present, along with several siblings and many friends. Two Christian families forever united.

We spent the next four days of our honeymoon in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A beautiful, cool, mountain resort city that is still one of our favorite annual vacation spots. But, it has changed drastically over the last fifty years. Then what hasn’t? And, you know it still has great allure and fond memories for us. Hot mineral water baths on “bath house row” are still luxurious today. Plus, it is ranked #1 on Bland’s list of top 10 most affordable places for retirees to live.

By now you can see, for all these years, we have taken the “I Now The Wed” vows most seriously, having exchanged those vows only one time, ever. We feel there’s no doubt God has truly blessed our relationship and family; for without Him we could do nothing. But then, hasn’t He blessed this entire nation ever since Jamestown, over 400 years ago?

The next twenty-five years of marriage saw us raising our only children, two sons. The first of which was born in nearby Atlanta, Texas, in Cass County. Years seem to have just flown by like ripping pages off the calendar. The saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun”, is definitely true in our case. Second son was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

After 31 l/2 years of dedicated hard work for Montgomery County, my wife retired in 2002. By then, I had already retired from long employment with the state and the UP Railroad. Hey friends! We love it! Retirement is like a never-ending vacation. You must try it sometimes if you ever get a serious chance.

NOW 2007…..
This year, 2007, brings about great milestones; our fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration soon, as well as our fifty-year senior class anniversary bash. One matrimonial union, one life together, one family, one nation under God, half a century later, love is still supreme. Being classmates, my wife and I attend only one class reunion and in recent years, only one family reunion. And you know what? I think we soon will start to plan for another blissful fifty years together. Some serious and subtle negotiating has already begun. But plan or no plan, we might just try winging it for a while.

It is difficult for me to relate to the “loner” type person. Seldom in life have I ever been bored, lonely or all alone. No long nights with four boring walls just endlessly staring up at the ceiling. No playing solitary ‘til dawn, with a deck of fifty-one, nor counting flowers on the wall. If that ever happen it was very, very seldom and short lived. It was strictly by choice or perhaps necessity of me temporarily working away from home for a short while. I am a people person and dearly love company, companionship and lively, but not necessarily deep, conversation. I tell you what! I’ve never had much use for songs like, “Oh Lonesome Me”, “Only The Lonely”, or “Just Call Me Lonesome From Now On.”

“Joy to the world, all the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea. Joy to you and me.”---- Life is so full of joy, happiness and interesting things to do. This world is too enormously fun filled and interesting to live here with a long, sullen, sad face.

Once a very wise old man said, “Our attitude determines our altitude!” I strongly believe that, too! Life is mostly what we make of it! Don’t you think so? Life is always much easier when we plow around the stumps. I’m often reminded, “If life gives you a lemon, make some good lemonade”, and folks will beat path to your door.

A favorite old poem of mine from my high school days, “INVICTUS”, by William Ernest Henley, (1849–1903) goes like this:

My darling wife is a high-energy country girl, low maintenance, petit and full of life; an avid conversationalist, she is! In recent years, she has returned to the love of reading good novels written by good authors, as well as working those “goofy little old” daily word puzzles. She’s also regularly involved in volunteer work for local charities, while keeping our home-life here on “Piddlin’ Acres” buzzing and oooh so comfortable. Our friends, family, church and grandchildren are mighty big priorities to us these days.

Recently I observed somewhere that people enter our lives for a reason, for a season or for a lifetime. Each one is very important. Although some folk have to occasionally be turned loose, let go of and move on. I strongly believe in “The Right People; The Right Place; The Right Time.” All of the “rights” will make for a successful life.

Let us dream no small dreams, because life is full of opportunities around every corner. Pay no attention to naysayers and doubters; those “it can’t be done” type. If you have a dream to dream, dream it anyway. If you have a song to sing, sing it anyway. “Step back non-believers or the day will never come.”

I also strongly adhere to the notion that good relationships can be cultivated to last a lifetime. Regardless of ever how long a lifetime may be, some folk are definitely keepers.

“Oh sweetie! Did you hear what I said?” No, she’s not listening. Her head is deep within the pages of a highly interesting book. ---- “I said, ’I virtually adore you!’ ---- HAPPY FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, my dear……”

Is that the alarm clock I hear? Oh, don’t wake this old sleepy head!…. Well! Who put the clock so far away from the bed?

There are those among us that might not entertain your dream. “Dream it anyway!” Others might be less that enthusiastic about what you need to do. “Do it anyway!”

A dream is a new seed. You know I love dreaming! Don’t let my dream world end!