Fifty-Eight

Hope - Promise

This week will mark fifty-eight years since two starry-eyed young people, along with their hopes and dreams, and goals, walked down the aisle of a little church in Muncie, Indiana. Much has happened in the years since. Most things are remembered; some are not, but the hopes, dreams, and goals have been realized.

Fifty-Eight Years in Review

Family

• The arrivals of four children, thirteen grandchildren, and six great-grands
• Popping buttons (so to speak) at cribsides
• Brushing back tears during high school and university graduations
• Cheering at sporting events: T-Ball, Soccer, Football, Softball, Wrestling, Basketball, Track, Baseball
• Appreciating K-12 concerts: band, jazz band, orchestra, choir
• Applauding at parades
• Watching our stars perform: plays, musicals, variety shows
• Proudly encouraging military commitment

Professional

• Six earned degrees: two bachelors, two masters, and two doctorates
• Careers in education and ministry
• Attendees, delegates, and presenters at multiple conferences and conventions
• Publications of magazine articles and two books
• Professional, church, and organization honors

Places

• Lived in six states: Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado
• Been in forty-three of the fifty states + Washington D. C.
• Traveled to England, France, Canada, Mexico, The Philippines, Hong Kong, The Bahamas

Blessings

• Answered prayers
• Good health
• Christian wedding celebrations of children and grandchildren
• Wonderful additions to our family by marriage
• The privilege of observing thirty-six family birthdays and twelve wedding anniversaries each year 
• And, many, many more!

Elvin Merrill Powers

The young man who captured my heart.

My groom sang Irving Berlin’s song, “ALWAYS,” to me before we exchanged our vows.

“I'LL BE LOVING YOU, ALWAYS,

WITH A LOVE THAT'S TRUE, ALWAYS.

WHEN THE THINGS YOU'VE PLANNED,

NEED A HELPING HAND,

I WILL UNDERSTAND, ALWAYS,

ALWAYS.

DAYS MAY NOT BE FAIR, ALWAYS,

THAT'S WHEN I'LL BE THERE, ALWAYS.

NOT FOR JUST AN HOUR,

NOT FOR JUST A DAY,

NOT FOR JUST A YEAR,

BUT ALWAYS.”

Happy 58^th, Hubby!

Happy Family Times

This summer and fall, we attended two more weddings of grandchildren. Hubby performed both ceremonies.

In July we traveled to the scenic mountain town of McCall, Idaho.

Payette Lake, McCall, Idaho

In a picturesque setting on the grounds of a charming mountain lodge, grandson, Jesse Walker, was married to Jeni Higgins. Everything was perfect. It was wonderful to see family and friends and to meet Jeni’s lovely family.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker

October found us in Michigan while the beautiful autumn leaves were in full color. Granddaughter, Joanna Walker, and Aaron Rusch were married in a lovely ceremony in the church where Joanna attended until she went off to college. The wedding was picture perfect and, again, we saw family (this trip seeing all five of our great-grandchildren). We had previously met Aaron’s family, but enjoyed being able to celebrate with them.

Mr. and Mrs. Rusch

At the Michigan reception, Hubby and I were honored as the couple that had been married longer than any other couple in attendance. (Another couple had been married only one month less.)

Fifty-seven years and still in love!

I am very blessed!