A popular song at the time Rich and I were engaged and newly married was The Twelfth of Never, sung by Johnny Mathis. We often used the lyrics to pledge our love to each other as lasting forever. During the time of our separation after Rich was drafted into the Marines, I recorded myself singing the song and sent it to him. Recently I looked for the lyrics online and discovered that other couples of the late 60's had used the song in wedding ceremonies and at memorial services when one partner had died.
As healing has taken the edge off my grief, I wonder whether memories of our time together will fade away like the pain. Today, while sorting through old slides, I saw one of us kissing. My heart began to race with the excitement of first love and I knew that love hasn't faded, it will remain. We will be a part of God's great love throughout the ages!
some of the lyrics...
I'll love you till the bluebells forget to bloom;
I'll love you till the clover has lost its perfume.
I'll love you till the poets run out of rhyme,
Until the twelfth of never and that's a long, long time.
Rich,...until the twelfth of never, I'll still be loving you.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Purification and Unifying
As the cancer in Rich's body became more invasive and agressive, our life together went through purification and unification. Both of us had issues with selfishness that surfaced. As we dealt with those issues, purifying took place. Although the outward appearance deteriorated, our inward man was being strengthened. Rich would comment to people that, because of the changes being wrought in his thinking and attitudes, having cancer had been beneficial to him.
Part of our daily routine at one point was to go for walks in a little park near us. Few people used the park in the early morning hours so we often had it to ourselves. We would walk along the path, quoting scriptures and singing songs. What wonderful times those were! Listening to Charles Spurgeon sermons being read on the internet also highlighted our days. Spurgeon's confidence in a loving, merciful heavenly Father greatly influenced us and gave us new insight into our Father's character.
Just six months before Rich submitted to an examination which resulted in the diagnosis of cancer, our marriage went through a time of purifying. September of 1997 became a turning point. We sought to become more open and loving with each other, which brought a new dimension of intimacy in communication. For us, it was like being newlyweds again, only with more wisdom and understanding. That time prepared us for the tests ahead when our love would be challenged as never beflore.
Trials are never easy, nor are they sought out as desirable; but looking back, on the other side of the trial, positive changes are seen and appreciated.
Part of our daily routine at one point was to go for walks in a little park near us. Few people used the park in the early morning hours so we often had it to ourselves. We would walk along the path, quoting scriptures and singing songs. What wonderful times those were! Listening to Charles Spurgeon sermons being read on the internet also highlighted our days. Spurgeon's confidence in a loving, merciful heavenly Father greatly influenced us and gave us new insight into our Father's character.
Just six months before Rich submitted to an examination which resulted in the diagnosis of cancer, our marriage went through a time of purifying. September of 1997 became a turning point. We sought to become more open and loving with each other, which brought a new dimension of intimacy in communication. For us, it was like being newlyweds again, only with more wisdom and understanding. That time prepared us for the tests ahead when our love would be challenged as never beflore.
Trials are never easy, nor are they sought out as desirable; but looking back, on the other side of the trial, positive changes are seen and appreciated.
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