April 23, 1976 + 35

April 23 1976 was the happiest day of my life. It was on that day that I, accompanied by my best friends, followed Pastor Irv Dally into the sanctuary of Blendville Christian Church in Joplin. Moments later as I stood there, the most beautiful woman in the world strolled down the aisle of said church (with her dad, Orval) and astounded all (and ignored the advice of all!) and said “I do” when Irv asked Carolyn Eldridge if she would take little ol’ me as her lawfully wedded husband.

That was 35 years ago. Wow. She’s one tough mama to put up with me all these years!

Back in those days there was a song that was popular that hit the charts when we were dating. It was “Love Will Keep Us Together” by The Captain and Tenille. To hear that song transports me in time back to those happy early days. Love has kept us together, as well as a dependence on both each other and on our Awesome God.

It hasn’t always been easy, of course. Carolyn made a commitment early in our relationship that she would never consider divorce. Murder, yes! But divorce? No!

The years rolled on, and along came Josh, Amber and Jordan. Those three little kids are now grown up adults themselves. They’ve all been taller than me for more years than not, it seems! And of course there is the joy of our beautiful granddaughters, Kaila and Eliana and our grandson, Conner, who we really did pump full of sugar and caffeine once and send home. Yes, it is satisfying.

So here we are traveling together on the long and winding road of this wonderful thing we call life. “It’s you and me against the world!” I would say. 35 years later, I find myself wishing the world hadn’t of won so much!

Right now there are problems and hassles and uncertainties abound. Still, though, it can be said that life is sweet. We have our awesome family, we have our awesome church family that means more to us than you will ever know, and we have each other. And we have the Lord.

Amber said to me once that she cannot imagine Carolyn and I not being together. Neither can I.

To Carolyn what can I say but I love you now and forevermore!

I’d call that a successful marriage by any standard!

Rare photographs from the rehearsal dinner. First: Tommy poses for the camera next to Bill Lisle. These folks were the bride's members of the wedding party. Second: My mom and dad, best man Johnny Willis, my sister Dana, and two of the most precious people this world has ever known: Irv and Betty Dally. Third: a scurvy band o'cut throats known as the groom's members of the wedding party. Ted and Barbara Easley, Bob Phillips, the Russells, and the Richardsons.

Johnny Willis (best man), Steve Russell (groomsman), Your Humble Correspondent (groom, yes I was smoking a Winston Menthol 100 when this photo was taken), and Ted Easley (groomsman).

The early years!

Ps: Oh, remember The Captain and Tenille? Did you know they were married? And do you know they are still married, and having enjoyed a long career in the music world they live now in Prescott, Arizona. Love kept them together, and it will keep us together as well. Live well in the Lord!

This is the Voice of One!