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 🤍
- Heavenly Home
- Finally Flowing: The Finley River Collection is up & running!
- April’s Anticipation
- Praiseworthy People
- Mercy Me, March!
