Carmella's Hang Out

While so many people these days throw away their marriage after less than 5 years, they have spent a lifetime together.

She was so young when they married. The beauty with the bright red hair. He was so distinguished in his army uniform. The handsome six foot tall pastor and teacher.

In later years, he would retell the story to his grandkids time and time again, of the day he noticed her. She was in the school where he taught. “One day, she was a girl in braids. The next day, in walked a woman with long flowing hair.”

Living the first few years of their marriage largely alone, as he went off to fight in the great Second World War, she gave the first glimpse of how strong she could be. When in the states, her husband would do what he could to see her again. Sometimes walking and hitching rides for days just so they could spend a day or two together. While overseas, injury would bring them back together from time to time during their separation. Each time not long, but a blessing.

Like so many others, the couple had two children born to them during war time. Upon return, a new life as a whole family began. The coming years brought more children, more joys, more trials, and more love.

A great trust in the one true God carried them through the tragic death of a young son, as well as a fire that took many earthly possessions. It is what sustained them raising another son born in extreme pain. When the doctors told them to let him die, the couple loved and cared for him. When all they could do was pray for his back to close, and the pain to be taken, the Lord held them.

Times were not easy for the family. Often very poor, they raised seven children to adulthood, with the knowledge that they will see all eight of thier offspring in heaven again one day.

Leaving all in the hands of Jesus Christ saw them through the death of two more children, now grown men, as well as having to say goodbye to a grandson and great grandson.

Always a wonderful example of Christ, they did all that they could for their family, even providing a home again when their children found themselves in a tight spot. Then one day, the large house was empty but for the two. They were free to do as they pleased, and so they gardened and traveled at will.

A constant fixture in the lives of all with the privilege to call them Mom and Dad, or Grandpa and Grandma, the couple continued to live out the vow they made to one another, and grow old together.

And one day, his eyes began to get darker. The world around him began to get more silent.

As he loses more and more of himself, she has the unspeakable task of standing by helplessly, watching the love of her life slip away day by day. Her strong soldier is now unable to stand for long. Her rock during times of trouble, now finds it hard to speak. His body is still here, but he is slowly going home.

Just like every other time, she now leans on the Lord for His strength, His peace, He love, and His guidance, as she helps the man of her dreams live day to day. What will she do without him?

It is impossible to think that these two could know all the impact they have had on the world around them. They have been heroes and inspiration to many. An example to those both of their own flesh and blood, and those with whom they have come in contact.

Many will credit the two with leading them to the Cross and a life with Christ. To many, they gave a love of gardening, the love of music and singing, the love of being a family.

They will be remembered for the love they have of the Lord and the lives that they led for His glory. They will be remmbered for the great love they have for every child, grandchild, and great grandchild with whom the Lord chose to bless them.

She is going to be remembered as a fire cracker, a constant ball of energy. One ready with advice and knowing ‘just what to say to them’. For her strength during so many hard times. Her example of what it is to be a wife.

He will be remembered for his stories. The way he always had one for every occasion and need. For his sense of humor! For the way he did not complain, though you knew he was in an extreme amount of pain every day.

Soon, he is going to be home, and memory will be all that is left until the Lord takes the rest home. Now prayer is needed for when she is left without her husband of sixty six years.