They were both small-town kids. She was raised a preacher’s daughter. He had to make bowling more Baptist if they were to date. Revivals weren’t revelry to teens in the 60s. Both families were known throughout the sprawling hayfields, curves, and dirt roads between the towns of Billings and Nixa.
The ice cream parlor and small downtown, the church and the gym, a schoolhouse and family dinners, a ball player and homecoming queen…alongside each other. In tandem, they exchanged their vows on June 12th, 1964.
Fifty-nine years. “Where did the time go?” they asked one another. It was years of babies, ballgames, and teens. Grandkids, responsibilities, careers, and the church. Forgiveness, love, grit, and determination. Do you see the wheels turning? Do you see their beautiful tandem journey? Tired legs, pulled groins, gray hair, and health scares. They’re still riding tandem; not on a bike. I watched them pull out of my driveway as we waved sweet goodbyes. Such an amazing couple-tandem, fifty-nine years.
Love is not about having someone fight for you (like I once believed). It can certainly get old fighting with someone…love is about giving up the fight…and giving it to God. Let faith and belief work in tandem. Cooperation, collaboration, and a Christ-minded combination-it worked for these small-town kids. Happy 59th Anniversary to my amazing parents. I love you, more.
Speaking of love…
I grew up listening to OLD country music (and southern gospel, The Eagles, Boston, musicals, etc…). Music is life to me. Music is love. The nights I hardly slept I watched a series, “George and Tammy” about George Jones and Tammy Wynette. The sounds of the old country songs and those UNIQUE VOICES (unlike many of today), fierce love and fights, …and a reconciliation right before her death. Those two were just alike. Yet, couldn’t make it work, in tandem. I could relate to Tammy. For Hollywood purposes, much was exaggerated (keep in mind it’s rated R). Another night I finished a documentary about Sheryl Crow-a Missouri girl who I can definitely understand. Love was the root of both stories. And it was FELT in their art, their craft, their music. Just as I loved singing growing up around mom’s piano, with Dad singing tenor, under the steeples, in a canoe, hiking a trail, and the best, singing with my sons, I’ll not stop singing. Especially songs of love. I’m going to attach a YouTube video of George Jones and his daughter singing the most beautiful song (written by Georgette, George, and Tammy’s only daughter together). This song, along with one of my favorites by him (“He Stopped Loving Her Today”) made me think of days in the past. But also, how love, if given the right foundation and forgiveness, can bring such healing and comfort.
Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓
Surreal. It’s the only word I can think of to describe this journey. Last week was filled with trips between “floors” of the cancer center, insurance hiccups, long hours, and side effects. Due to low platelets, red and white blood cells, and risk of infection, my oncologist ordered several consecutive days of shots to increase the counts. I’ll have bone-strengthening infusions every 3 weeks. My body must recover to receive my last treatment.
In the lobby area was one of our small-town friends. I hoped that I would never run into anyone I knew. The odds prove I will. On the day of the bone infusion, was another familiar family. He, a former school superintendent (MY boss), shared hope and prayers. He has always reminded me of my dad, growing my grit and teaching a toughness (with added tenderness). His loving and caring wife offered hugs and love, too. It gave my mom and me comfort. Words can’t describe what this meant to me.
After a year crammed with research, learning, scans, treatments, and teaching, I felt like a new student at school. The ZOOM virtual support group and meeting last Wednesday still have me pinching myself. Did I just meet nearly 40 other new friends with this cancer? Although the curriculum was somewhat familiar, in tandem, there were new partners pedaling with me. Many have been on this journey for a long time. Some new, like me. Like zebras, we are all different, I was reminded. Surreal. There were others that are inoperable. Nearly two hours went by. New faces, smiles, and frustrations. Shared symptoms, an amazing doctor, and a meet-and-greet. I’ve exchanged information with a doctor in Maryland who specializes in this cancer (thanks to the resources in this group). New friends have reached out by email and future ZOOM meetings will be held. Priorities, other than faith and family, must shift as I participate in support that will strengthen my steadfastness. Each Wednesday I will do my best to attend the ZOOM meetings. This has, and will, impact my time reading your stories and communicating at times. It’s essential I celebrate the new connection by being active. It’s my goal to listen and learn from those who have been battling this cancer. After my first meeting tears of joy ran down my face. For those of you that have had breast cancer, you know what it’s like to meet someone who has had breast cancer. Or pancreatic. Perhaps colon. Or even leukemia. It’s no different from connecting with friends that have like-minded beliefs, hobbies or have experienced similar life experiences. Human connections.
The best part of my week? On Saturday I felt strong enough for the drive to my youngest son’s and daughter-in-law’s house to have an early 3rd birthday for my precious granddaughter, Whitley. There was laughter, memories, and delicious food. To be here to celebrate her 3rd, another birthday next month of my amazing grandson, Asher (his 4th), and his sister, another precious granddaughter (Ainsley) in August (her 2nd); that’s what life is about.
I dream of laughter, games, zoos, and books. Of music, mountains, naps, and movies. It’s the simple things. I don’t have to climb any more mountains for I have stood on the peaks already. I’ve floated on faith in the rivers at the bottom and found victories in the valleys. My heart is filled with hope, although my body feels weaker. Find the things that tandemly transform your thinking and fuel your faith.
In tandem, faith, and family, will keep me moving forward. Can you find the things that tandemly transform your thoughts and fuel your faith? You are loved, my friends.
