Nestled in the Woods

September 4, 1959 was a beautiful and bright, if hot, day. It was our wedding day. What a trip that fifty years has been!
I have learned so much in those five decades, but I think the lesson I learned the best is that it is not “all about me.” I couldn’t really learn about love until I addressed that issue. When it’s all about me, any diversion from my desire, my feelings, or my control creates a barrier between us. Throw in some legalistic religion on top of that and you have a recipe for conflict.
When it’s all about the one another, we begin to see that our life is a connection. Marriage should be the greatest example of that connection. We live for our mate, and in return, we receive the benefit of love.  We have children together to express that love and the connection grows. This is the way it is supposed to work, but the minute “all about me” intrudes, love is compromised.
I hope that I have learned this lesson, and my goal is to perfect it over the next however many years God gives us together.

FIFTY YEAR SONNET

It’s been a fascinating fifty years
Of marriage, both “in sickness and in health.”
We planned for challenges and new frontiers,
And hoped for great success and maybe wealth.
Of course there would be trials marked by tears,
And sometimes conflicts cause by prideful self.
On some occasions undeservéd fears
That one would leave the other on the shelf.
But now we’ve set aside our separate spheres
While yet retaining differences we held,
And to our great surprise it now appears
Success for us has been unparalleled.

‘Twas neither pleasure nor prosperity
But love and trust has sealed the guarantee.

A new book is on its way.  “Soar Above the Yesterdays” is a sequel to “All Things”.  The rough draft is complete and in the hands of a first reader.  The next step will be an editor, and then the difficult task of re-working the story into a book we can all enjoy. Hopefully, it will be in print by the end of 2009 or before.

“Soar Above the Yesterdays” is the continuing story of Susanna Elder, her twins, and her friends and family.  Whereas “All Things” is a story about the dilemma of unanticipated pregnancy, “Soar Above the Yesterdays” works through the problems following a young woman who has normal feelings, wants a normal life of romance, career, and hope for the future.  Although the concept of “secondary virginity” is the primary focus of the book, a bit of mystery combined with romance and career decisions carry the focus to its logical conclusion.

Many of the same characters carry Susanna’s story through 1956, both in Grassy Branch and Kenbridge.  Carly Rose, Duncan, Grandpa, Aunt Sarah, Jim Bob and many others play important roles in her life.  You will meet many new faces, as well.

I’m looking forward to sharing with you the conclusion to Susanna’s story.