I met lifelong friends there. Learned about salvation and was baptized there. I met N at youth group in our old gym. We were married 11 years later in the sanctuary.
Many of the people in our church have watched me grow, celebrated each milestone with me and have mentored me in some way either through their actions and their teaching.
Two people come to mind almost immediately: Bill and Adelin. I can remember many hugs from both of them, but also just the way they were as a couple. You knew their love continued to grow and deepen as they grew older. They were the couple I wanted my marriage to be like.
At my bridal shower, Adelin gave the devotional. She was an Air Force wife and knew all too well the life N and I were about to enter into. I'll never forget her words, "the first year is the hardest." At the time I thought she didn't know what she was talking about. As we entered into our first year of marriage, her words stuck with me.
During our reception we did a couples dance. The DJ would ask couples to leave the dance floor if they hadn't been married longer than 5, 10, 15 years, etc. This went on until Bill, Adelin, Neil and I were the only ones left. It was the longest marriage the newlyweds on the floor together.
It is one of my treasured memories from that day, being able to share that dance with Bill & Adelin. I learned this morning that Bill is with Jesus. He has been fighting illness for awhile, but this morning the Lord called him home.
I'm so blessed to have had the priviledge to know Bill as part of my church family. He was there with me through most of my life. His spirit, personality, love for his wife and Lord have imprinted on my soul. He was a mentor to me in many spoken and unspoken ways.
Keep the dance floor open Bill. We'll get another dance someday.
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