When I Grow Up

Page and her inlaws.

Bobette and Glendon with their son, Woody.

Bobette and Glendon dancing with their great granddaughter, Ellie.

When I was a little girl I wanted to be Bobette. To me, she had a magical life, living in a big mansion on an island in Galveston, Texas. Her husband, Glendon, was beyond charming, making anyone in his path feel like a million bucks! Spending the weekend with them at the gracious invitation of their son Woody and his wonderful wife Page, I am reminded again of why I love them. Besides the fact that Bobette reminds me of my mother, I love her because I realize her life is only magical because she made two really good choices: God and Glendon. Her craving for children was met with many miscarriages and the loss of two of her three children that she was finally able to raise. This weekend she says to me: I am so happy you have a marriage like mine. I am touched by her observation of me and my eternal companion. But I know I still have a long way to go in being and giving love like I should. Watching them is like watching Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello in his finest performance. Because you know it took a lot of practice from life experience to be able to still be so passionate and in love, instead of cynical and sarcastic as so many marriages end up. Their teasing, their stories, their love of God is as entertaining and delightful to listen to as any musical performance. And Bobette laughs the hardest at Glendon's jokes, always adding, Glendon, you are so funny.
In the car I ask Glendon to give me their secret to a successful marriage. His one word answer? Bobette. I am so overcome at this simple remark and all that love and passion that is behind it. That is what eternal marriage is all about--to really love someone else as God loves us, and put Him right in the middle. Beyond magical!