Diamonds in the rough? This duo is priceless!
From a diamond ring to a ball diamond. Glitter, glitches, gyms, and gloves. Forgiveness, humor, grit, and God’s love. What does it take to stay in the game so long?
C’mon in and pull up a chair if you’re interested in the love story I’m going to share. If you’re hungry, Momma will feed you. Keep your fork in case you want dessert. So, how did it all start?
“Who’s that girl with my sister”? he thought. “Is that your brother?” she asked her best friend.
It was 1960-something. A sport-loving history-seeking teenage boy wondered about his sister’s best friend. She was a preacher’s daughter with 4 brothers and a sister (between the Hale’s and the Wilson’s there were enough siblings for a slow-pitch softball team).
With permission from her Dad, the brown-eyed, brown-haired homecoming queen met the good-looking ball-playing jock at Felix’s Cafe on Main Street. A homecoming court became a church ceremony after she graduated from high school, and he, Drury College.
On June 12th, 1964, Darlene, escorted by her brother Ronnie, walked down the aisle. Larry stood at the altar next to his soon-to-be father-in-law, the preacher. “Bless this House” and the “Lord’s Prayer” added music to memory. Family members gathered around to support and celebrate. The “I Do’s” turned to “Play Ball” the next day (Moberly, Mo–a great place for a honeymoon!). Larry took his place on the field with Mom in his heart. Mom took her place in the stands and hasn’t left his side since.
He coached and stole bases along with her heart. She’s been a wife, mom, and chef from the start!
Their lives represent a mix of melodies. From Conway Twitty & Ray Price to Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Shall we sing “In the Garden,” “I Want to See Jesus,” and “Sheltered in the Arms of God”? Daddy, you’ll sing bass or tenor. Momma will sing alto and all of us—find your perfect part!
“Blessed be the tie that binds,
Our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds,
Is like to that above."
Memories, new and old, are cherished. There are trials and tributes. Tears mixed with laughter. Setbacks and success. Disease and dedications. Commitments and crises. Through it all, love remains.
60 years. 720 months. 21,915 days. 525,960 hours. 31,557,600 seconds. Over a billion dirty dishes, wishes, and squishes (and kisses?).
“What’s the secret?”, I asked. “Your Mom’s patience,” Dad answered. You’ll hear them talk about how difficult it is to grow old. They’re hard on themselves because they can’t do what they used to do. Yet, they count their blessings. And faith? God and faith are the glue that has kept this couple rock solid through the shifts and storms. Now that’s Amazing Grace! Your commitment, through it all, is a “cut above the rest”.
“If That Isn’t Love,” I don’t know what is!
Happy 60th anniversary, Mom and Dad. Do you REALLY know how LOVED YOU ARE?
Music sweetens stale air. Melodies make memories in the mundane.
K.L. Hale
Have faith 🤍
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I am just sitting here in a puddle of tears! What an AMAZING and INCREDIBLE tribute to the best parents God ever created! The song, the love story— 60 years and growing. They are the example of what God in all his glory ordained. Their love, patience, forgiveness, and humor kept the years going. They have proved that persistence in loving can outlast any of life’s downfalls. As parents, they have given everything they could to us kids. As a couple, they have put God first and loved eachother through it all. I love them so much and so thankful for their union. We wouldn’t be here without them.🥰 HAPPY DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY DADDY & MOMMA!!! We love you❤️
Kriddy
Aww, Kristy. What beautiful words. “They are an example of what God in all his glory ordained.” They ARE! And aren’t we blessed beyond measure to have them?
I love you and appreciate you so much! (insert happy tears)💕💕💕❣️❣️
Beautiful love story! Happy Anniversary to your precious parents! ❤️
Karla, the Diamond Duo still sparkles after 60 years of wedded bliss. May they celebrate many more anniversaries in splendid health with their loving family and friends.
No wonder you and your twin are such beauties. What a handsome couple they are. How proud you must be of them, and they of you. Love all the photos you shared of your beautiful family.
Thank you for sharing this lovely occasion with us.
Love, Ginger 🦋💞
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you, sweet Ginger! It’s a couple of days early–much needed!
How kind of you to write such sweet comments. I’m so proud of them, my friend. I’m so happy you enjoyed this and thank YOU for celebrating with us!
Finn and I send our love! ❣️💕💛🙏
What a wonderful life journey! 💖 Congratulations to your parents.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you! ❤️🙏🏻♥️
Happy Diamond Anniversary to your beautiful parents! I get weepy over a love story written by our Heavenly Father! Butch and I would love to meet them, we would have so very much in common. Establishing a home on the firm foundation of loving God, loving each other, and raising a family that knows God is worth more than gold and silver! Please tell your parents CONGRATULATIONS and wishing them many more!
Karla, you are a precious daughter and this post is so very special. Thank you my precious friend ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Oh, Pam. You are so precious! I know my parents would love to meet you both too! I’ve shown mom your place (and Kathy’s too). I feel like you all know each other!
You all share so much in common. ❤️🙏🏻 I know my mom would love (and could use) a tea party at your cottage!
“Worth more than silver and gold” yes!
When my kids were young, our entire family visited Gulf Shores. I’m certain we were in your “neck of the woods” a few times. What a fun time we’d have. We could gather around the piano too!
I will read all these messages to them. It will warm their hearts.💕
You are so kind and gracious to me. I love you and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Give my best to Butch and your family. ❤️♥️🙏🏻💕
Great story, Karla. Of course, it is easy to write great things about great people. Sounds like you have a pair of them in your lineage! Good post, my friend!
I hope you are well enough, well-read, and “well-coffeed” these days. Will send an email this week to catch up a bit. I have been traveling for work (and a short vacation), and have been gone more than at home. There is a break in that craziness for about three weeks, so let the catch-up begin. But not the ketchup. That goes on the burgers.
Again, good post, my friend. God bless you real good, and your little dog, too!
Rascal. (Tim is too tired to write)
Rascal! This is Finn. Mom is tired, so I decided to write for her. She has been praying for you and Tim!
She said she’ll check email and look forward to catching up (not ketchup! But maybe burger).
Thank you for your support, feedback, and friendship all these years. Mom says God is so good! And yes, I see her drinking coffee and she’s trying hard to write and respond each week. But sometimes it’s harder and I remind her to get us both in nature and we’re better for it!
She’s so happy you’re safe and sound!
Thank you, Rascal and Tim. Mom sends her best and we will chat soon! God bless your 6 legs!
Finn 🐾 🙏🏻
Beautiful and congratulations 🍾🎉
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Thank you, Jeff! It’s so good to see you!! I’ll tell them! ❤️
Please wish them a blessed anniversary. Your parents sound much like Paul and me. Staying together for so many years is quite a milestone. I’m sure they have been through a lot in that time, but it appears that they share the same faith in Jesus and know that he is charge of every minute we live. They are blessed with an extraordinary family too. May life continue to bring them even closer together. Thank them for allowing me to be part of it!
Mama K, I’ve mentioned you several times and I’ll make sure my mom and dad get this message.
You see why I think you 4 are alike! What milestones for all of you.
Such examples for us young folks.
And thank you for saying such kind things about the family too.
I pray mom and dad have more to celebrate each day and year!
I love you! Give Paul my regards too!
What a beautiful tribute to your gorgeous parents inside and out, Karla! Congratulations to them on this wonderful milestone fully complete with your words and blessings to give them the best gift of all!
Lots and lots of love and to many more years of loving, caring, sharing and their continued faith.
💓💓💓
C, thank you so much for your precious words and blessings!
I will make sure they get these messages. ❤️💚💜
Lots and lots of love to you as you send it to us and them!
I love you, C! ❤️♥️💚💕
You are sooooo welcome, Karla! My pleasure and I tip my hat to them.
Oh please do and let them know I love their amazing daughter!!!!
Thanks and I love you!!!
C
💗
Aww,…thank you, C. I’ll tell them! I LOVE YOU! ❣️❣️💕💕💙🤍
💗💗💗💗i LOVE YOU💓💓💓
They sound like wonderful people. This is a lovely tribute. I
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading and supporting!
I’m looking forward to having a good read of this when I get back from he House Meeting, Karla 🙂
Thank you, John! The house meeting sounds wonderful. 🙏🏻😊
Congratulations to your parents on their 60th Anniversary, Karla!
Thank
You, Curtis! I’ll tell them! I appreciate you!
A beautiful heartfelt tribute. Congratulations! Wonderful to see couple that make it all the way through.
Thank you, Dwight! I appreciate you so much. Yes, what a milestone!
You are most welcome.
60th Anniversary! Wow 😮 congratulations to your parents. They have set a wonderful legacy
Thank you, Brenda! Yet certainly have. I will tell them! ❤️🙏🏻
Karla, Karla! How very beautiful!! Wh
Thank you, Judy! We all love and appreciate you (and miss you!). ❤️♥️💕🙏🏻🎶🥰
Karla what a beautiful love story!! Putting God first in a marriage is a sure way to ensure a strong and loving union!!
Wonderful Karla. That’s a huge house of good memories built on a foundation of commitment
Gary, you all are in my heart daily (and with me on the song, too). Thank you for being here and being part of my family. I appreciate you so much. Blessings and continued prayers, always.
Oh what a love story, Karla, and one that’s lasted 60 years, God be praised! Love that springs from the hearth and home is difficult to overcome by God’s grace and gets sweeter by the year. Congratulations to them!
Dora, it’s so good to see your sweet face, smile, and words. Truly, God gets the glory and they showed the grit!
“Love that springs from the hearth and home is difficult to overcome by God’s grace and gets sweeter by the year.” You find that sweet spot only with HIM at the helm. Much love and blessings, sweet sister. Thank you. 🤍💙❣️🙏🤗
And a happy anniversary from us, too. 1964 was 60 years ago? Good lord. I thought it was just yesterday.
Thank you, Marilyn! I’m giggling. I think my Mom said the exact same thing. Yesterday?! I appreciate you and Garry very much.
you are so fortunate to have mum and dad with you; and they are fortunate in having such a wonderful daughter. A terrific tribute, Karla — and they hold their age well 🙂
John, there’s not a day that I don’t thank God that I have them here. It’s astounding.
And thank YOU for such a kind comment. I can always be better.
Like you, I think they hold their age well, too! Many blessings and continued prayers. I appreciate you. 🤍🙏
A Happy 60th Anniversary to them both Karla, and God’s blessing all around them too. It is a big moment, with many years to celebrate, look back on, and know that it is indeed a connection beyond what can be spoken. To be together in good times and bad truly makes love what it is, and know its depth because of those very things.
Big hugs and celebrations to them both, and to you and Finn also for sharing something that even in these times has such a beautiful meaning. And for us to know the strength in their hearts to achieve this milestone from all they have experienced, will give hope for us all 😀❤️🙏
Hello, our dear friend! I knew this would hit your heart in a wonderful way, too. Such a milestone for them—it’s taught me so much.
Long-suffering! This world ain’t for the faint of heart, my friend! Through sickness and health. God bless those who find it. And when you don’t, I pray they find God–because you’ll celebrate milestones with him! I know, I know, I know!
We feel your big hugs and thank you for celebrating with us, my friend. Finn and I send our prayers, love, and blessings WAYYYYY over to you. ❣️💕🐾🤗🙏🤍💙
So beautiful and such a fitting song to end it for us. Whose lovely voice is this bravely singing it acapella? Blessing to your wonderful parents!
Thank you, Pete! I appreciate you. It doesn’t surprise me that you enjoyed this song!
That is me singing. I will send blessings to my parents on your behalf! God bless you and your family, Pete. I’m still praying for your daughter-in-law.
Oh, what a precious and shiny love story, so well-told, Karla. Thank you for giving me this huge smile this morning. Happy 60th anniversary to your beautiful parents!
Mark, thank you for your heartfelt message! I’m so happy it made you smile. I’ll give them this message, my friend. I appreciate you!
Happy 60th Anniversary to your precious parents—a diamond duo indeed and love for sure! Is that your voice singing, Dear Karla?
What’s the secret? Mom’s patience. I love that. Curious what your mom would say. Still it’s clear that God and faith are the glue—pressed down, shaken together—their faith and love running over for you!! If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.
🩵💕💜
C, you are so precious! I’ve been praying for you, my friend. I’m sorry it took me so long to get to you.
I need to have Mom answer the question. After Dad answered, we moved to something else, lol! God and faith–the glue, for sure!
It is my singing voice, C. It’s raw and impromptu–just like sitting around the piano–that’s what inspired me. I’m surprised little Finn didn’t bark on it!
I love you, C. I pray you and yours are well.💕❣️💛🙏
You sing like an angel! I’m so happy I didn’t miss this post! I love you, K! Sending lots your way 💌 and prayers up!
Aw, C,…that’s so kind to say. Thank you. I love you! Here we are—riding in the car together–praying and singing! Sending prayers and love.❣️💕
A beautiful love story, indeed! Happy Anniversary to your parents! Blessings, Karla! 🙏 🐾 🤗
Thank you, Cindy! I appreciate your support, prayers, love, and blessings. I will share all of these messages with my sweet parents. God bless you and Henry! 🙏❣️🐾
Karla dear ~ How precious is this tribute to your Mom and Dad. Such devotion is rare and what a legacy they have bestowed upon you all…. You have been blessed and radiate their love.
Thank you, Mary. That is so precious to say! It’s rare and should be celebrated! They are blessings! I appreciate you so much. Love and blessings to you.
60 years is a testimony of faith with lives trusting Jesus along the way 🙂
Thank you, Matt! Amen! 🤍🤗🙏 I hope you’re hanging in there, big brother!
Wow!!! 60 years!! Congrats mom and dad!!
There’s my famous author friend! M.B.,…thank you! I’ll give them the message! They’ll be flooded with congratulations!
This is so wonderful! Congratulations to your parents, Karla! ❤️❤️
Oh, MAK! That means so much to me! Thank you! I’ll tell them congratulations from you! Finn and I love you and appreciate you more than you know!!💕🤗🐾💕❣️❣️
❤️
Very special! 💞 Happy anniversary to your parents. 🌹 A touching post.
Thank you, sweet Michele. I appreciate you and your precious support! 💕💕💛🤗
You’re very welcome, Karla. You’re a treasure, an angel among us. 🌼💖🤗
🥹🥹💕💕💕💕🌸🌸🙏🙏🙏
🤗🦋💖
What a beautiful tribute to your parents’ long life together. May they have their best anniversary yet! Congratulations! 💞💕
Thank you, Tanja! I will tell them! I appreciate your kind words and support!💕💕
I’m happily cherish dear your great loving parents 🌷🙏💗🌷 Congratulations and many many greetings 🖖 💐🎊
Sweet Thattamma, thank you, my friend. I will give them your greetings and congratulations.💕💕💕
🌷🙏🥰🖖🌷 thank you and most welcome dear friend 👏🌷
What a beautiful story of love!
Thank you, Matthew! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Wonderful! 💕
Thank you, Jennie! 💕💕
You are welcome, Karla! 😍
What a wonderful, living tribute to a wonderful, loving couple. Happy 60th, Darlene and Larry!! I especially love his statement that it is Darlene’s patience that is the secret to their long life together. I often say the same thing about Joan and her patience.
Thanks for including us in this momentous celebration, Karla!
Russell, thank you for joining in on the celebration! I called them this morning and sang to them (and Finley too! something like, “bark bark woof woof” from her :-).
It’s quite a celebration for two amazing people!
I’ll tell Dad what you wrote about patience. That’s so kind! And you and Joan are a couple to celebrate too!
God bless you both!
Wow writing and recording!!! You out did yourself on the ‘If That Isn’t Love” recording! Great job & I hope to have a small group of my super singers perform this at school! It was beautiful tribune and singing! : ) I love you, Sue ps-YOur folks look so similar to my folks with lots of parallels. My dad played baseball, my mom was completely devoted to & supported whatever my dad did. My mom was less than 100 lbs dripping wet! Thanks for sharing your precious memories & family! xoxo
💕💕💕💛💛💛
Dear Karla, Wow writing and recording!!! You out did yourself on the ‘If That Isn’t Love” recording! Great job & I hope to have a small group of my super singers perform this at school! It was beautiful tribune and singing! : ) I love you, Sue ps-YOur folks look so similar to my folks with lots of parallels. My dad played baseball, my mom was completely devoted to & supported whatever my dad did. My mom was less than 100 lbs dripping wet! Thanks for sharing your precious memories & family! xox
Thank you, sweet Sue. Coming from my favorite music teacher ;-), your words are astounding! To think the kids might sing this gave me goosebumps! Wow! You’re precious.
I remember your parents, Sue. How wonderful! Again, thank you for your love and support. I love you, my friend! XO
Happy Anniversary!
Thank you, sweet friend. I’ll tell them for you! Much love!! ❤️
a truly beautiful life story, brought a tear ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, dear friend. Coming from you, that touches my heart in a special way. Sending love and prayers, always. 💕💕💕🙏🙏
Happy Anniversary to your parents! Boy, did you have a great example of a good marriage. (And as an aside, my mother went to Drury College!)
Ann, thank you so much! I didn’t live up to that example, unfortunately. But I can sure celebrate THEM and their commitment to one another and our family.
How wonderful your mother attended Drury College, too! That’s amazing! I will stop and pray for you and your sweet mom and family right now. Thank you for your support and sweet message!
WOW! I love this love story. I need to hear more stories like these! It lifts my heart on high and gives me faith to believe in silver linings. (I love the photo in which your dad is beaming with love looking at your mom as she presents him the “82” birthday cake. I also love hearing “For the Good Times” again. I haven’t heard it in a long time.) 🤍🤍Thanks for sharing this beautiful blog post, Karla! And, happy, happy 60th to both lovebirds!🤍🤍
Thank you, dear Stacy! Your precious comment and kind words will be shared with them!
The photo that you love is my favorite, too. What a sweet capture of them!
You’re in my heart and prayers, my friend. You’re such an encouragement and inspiration to me. I’ll tell the lovebirds you said, Happy 60th, too! We will celebrate more this weekend. I’m sending love and hugs! 🤍💕🙏🤗
Please also extend my warmest wishes to your dad for a wonderful Father’s Day, Karla! 🤍🤍
I sure will! Thank you, Stacy. You are so loved!❤️❤️❤️
So beautiful! Happy 60th Anniversary to your parents! May they have many more wonderful years together! 🥂❤️
Thank you, Marcela. I appreciate you so much!🙏🏻🙌🏻💕❤️
What a beautiful tribute, Karla! My favorite line: “Over a billion dirty dishes, wishes, and squishes (and kisses?).”
Thank you, dear friend!🙌🏻❤️ I appreciate you so much!
Karla, what a wonderful tribute to honor your mom and dad. It is special to see folks truly in a marriage for the long-haul. Their longevity is a testimonial light to the rest of the world. Congratulations and God bless you Larry and Darlene!
Manette, what a precious message~I will tell them! And thank you for your kind words and support. I pray you are well, my friend. Love and prayers! ♥️🙏🏻
Good morning FRIEND! I hope this finds you continuing to do well! I loved this story about your parents! What a blessing that they found each other and have stuck by each other for the time they have shared! Happy Anniversary and to many more years of blessings and bliss! Today is the last day of summer school. Next year I am embarking on the Title Reading position for my 2nd year. I have and will continue to learn more and more about what my position includes. I love what I do! The state has required all Missouri schools to have Reading Success Plans (RSPs) for students that qualify from an approved state benchmark assessment. It is a good thing, but with it all being so new, it has been an experience getting information out as it sometimes changes faster than I can communicate and learn it LOL! Next year will be my 30th year of teaching! I am probably going to retire in couple more years- God willing! I LOVE you and keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I LOVE reading your blogs- I have not kept up with them much this past few months. I am looking forward to reading more about your experience, your journeys and what is going on in your world! Sending BIG BIG hugs! Melissa Wade
I love you, Melissa! I’m so happy to read all of the wonderful things going on in your life~and I’m so proud of you! 30 years! What an amazing impact you’re making on the lives of children and those around you. I hold our memories in a special
Place. Thank you for reading my blog and being such a wonderful friend and support. Much love and big hugs to you and your precious family.♥️🥰🙏🏻
What a marvelous post about the sanctity of marriage! The photos tell part of the story, so I’m glad you included those. My parents were married 57 years before my dad’s passing. They were also people of faith. I still consider their marriage to be the strongest one I ever saw for any married couple. Of course, it’s the quality of those years more than the quantity that stands out to me. My wife and I will be celebrating 38 years in just over a month.
Thank you for taking the time to read and leave such a wonderful and kind message, Pete! I appreciate you! Happy 38 years to you and your wife! How wonderful!
Happy Anniversary to your parents!
Thank you so much~ It was such a wonderful celebration!
Karla, you’ve been blessed with a family founded upon love, God’s and your parents. Thank you for sharing their blessed story.
Richard, thank you so much for reading and the thoughtful comment! Amen! They are quite the couple!
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