Saturday, November 12, 2011

In Sickness and In Health


November 8th, 1975. The vows were traditional. I promised-

I, Lydia, take you Gerry, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

Our honeymoon was skiing at Mammoth Mountain. My husband was an accomplished water skier. Teaching him to take his skills and send him down a mountain on the first weekend with snow that year- Gerry had amazing balance. I have never, before or since, seen anyone go so far, so fast, so out of control- yet remain upright. How we kept out of the emergency room that year is proof that God watched over us in the exuberant days of early wedded bliss.

 Mammoth Mountain became a place with special memories when the sons that followed- Trevor and Kenny - were potty-trained on the slopes before they were 3. My theory is that wet diapers are extremely cold.

 Over the past 36 years, Gerry and I have celebrated our anniversary any number of ways. Trips to Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, hunting with the in-laws, Pop Warner Fundraisers, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation Gala, a surprise trip to Europe.  

November 08, 2011

This year topped them all.

Our anniversary was spent at Saint Jude's Hospital in Fullerton.

There began a trip back to good health for my husband. 

This is the part where I get to share a thought quite treasonous for a writer to her profession.  I confess: I cringe at the Julie/ Julia blog turned book turned movie project. I pity people caught in  reality-they-are- not programs. Though some of the TV projects are visually quite attractive if you turn the yakking off, there is a value popular culture does not comprehend.

It is privacy. There are times when one is best quiet. The writer is not nearly so important as the people we write about. 

Now is the time to catch my breath. Drink in our family's moment of great fortune. Very shortly my husband will be back off to the profession he was called to when he was 10.  I will return to my garden and my glass.  For as long as God allows, all is to be well. Praise Him.

Not everyone is so lucky. Tonight I learned, members of a family we know were on a road trip.  There was an accident. Understanding the oncoming danger of an out-of-control truck, the driver turned the family's vehicle, saving the lives of his two passengers at the expense of his own.

In the face of tragedy, only the peace of God can transcend grief.

The flower image is by Gene Sasse. More info to follow.
 








6 comments:

  1. Your friend's tragedy shows us that life is unpredictible and we thank God for our time here. Prayers to your friend's family. As for the news on Gerry, THANK GOD! The stress of the unknown has been hard on you both. I pray you are back to life's simple pleasures soon and the worries behind you. xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. May you have many more anniversaries together, Lydia. I know what you mean about living life off-line and pray that Gerry will have a full and vibrant recovery. Love to you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Sue- Thank you for the wisdom.

    Dear Nikki- A vibrant recovery. I like the sound of it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, dear Lydia, and I pray for Gerry's complete recovery and that you will have another 50 years together---maybe next year you will be celebrating on a glorious trip...!
    I know this has not been an easy time, my dear....Please forgive my being rather quiet---I'm still on the road to recovery--And I am almost all there.....!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lydia, I know you know your Bible well, but allow me the opportunity to remind you that "He will not give you more than you can bear!" You and Gerry are very strong people and my prayer is that you both come out of this stronger for having had it happen!

    Much luv,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Naomi- It is with great happiness that I read you are in the race to recovery!

    Judy- The Lord strengthens us with tempered resolve through trials.

    If life was always easy, we would have no core strength.

    This chapter in life is about to conclude well.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are encouraging blessings! Please send your thoughts- unless you look like a robot, in which case you'll be ignored.