Still find myself looking at cards for husbands and lovers. Good I found both in the same man. No need to buy two, or any for that matter, now that Jud’s gone Home.
Jud never was that into Hallmark cards, but he was into us. The words he spoke or wrote, those kitchen sink nights I washed, while he dried as we talked over how we’d each spent our day, needed no cards to validate the love inherent in the simple side-by-side-ness of a long marriage.
Looking down at my wedding band, the one from 2007, not 1963, I’m remembering a nightmare in Copenhagen, when my ring and passport were stolen, along with my purse. Don’t ask why I had my ring in my purse. It makes me crazy.
Sometimes the most romantic moments happen when least expected or deserved. Like July 2007 in Copenhagen, while running to the American Embassy to grab a new passport before closing time, since we were booked to fly home to the USA the next day.
Jud’s long legs were always a challenge to walk in step with, much less run beside. He grabbed hold and we flew together down Denmark’s cobbled streets, while I wailed. Part way there, he stopped to help me catch my breath. As Jud held me, I sobbed and did worse into his shirt, while yelling, “I’m so stupid. I can’t believe I did that. I’m so sorry! My wedding ring!!” As was his penchant, Jud just held me without words of shame or blame. After a while he simply said, “I never liked what we wrote inside our rings. Lets get new ones.”
Love and forgiveness engraved in one four letter word.
Lets.
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Very sweet. Thanks for letting us into that special place in your memories.
What an extraordinary experience of love, grace, and truth!
Oh so sweet memories to cherish. Thank you for sharing a bit of your love story.
May the Lord continue to hold you close!
I love your observation that Jud never was that into Hallmark cards, but he was into us. I think that’s maybe one of the greatest and hardest gifts a man can give his family.
Dear Jan, So happy you have those memories with Judd. Good men are a truly gift from God, I have one who should have passed many years ago. He was told by a doctor in Boston he would only live into the 20s, He will be 81 next month. God is so good. We have been through 9 bypasses, stints, pacemaker, diabetes, and now Cancer. His hymn is ‘He Giveth More Grace” He gets his chemo shot today. I thank God for each day we have together. Keep remembering what a great man you had. Love Eleanor
Just love this and all of your “Notes” from your heart and soul; you are so very talented. You know I always use to hope and pray I would have a husband/love of my life just like those Christian Hallmark cards depicted and could never imagine being able to purchase one for a man such like that, however, God knew and he brought me a wonderful man of God; I am blessed now just like you were with Jud…Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow! My best to you and your precious family, Paula
You both were so blessed to have each other. Thanks for sharing such tender moments. I always look forward to your words of wisdom filled with Gods love.
This post made me cry! In a good way. Thanks for sharing.
Jan, I can’t get over how much we have in common—-age, Scandinavian/Baptist culture background, Scandinavian cruises, children/grandchildren, more—-and now a lost wedding ring story to tell! But I shall not take up the space to tell ours. I haven’t responded to you for awhile now because almost every time I try to comment it doesn’t go through. Hopefully this time it will. Just be assured I always read you and am always blessed for it.
Jan, I can’t get over how much we have in common—-age, Scandinavian/Baptist culture background, Scandinavian cruises, children/grandchildren, more—-and now a lost wedding ring story to tell! But I shall not take up the space to tell ours. I haven’t responded to you for awhile now because almost every time I try to comment it doesn’t go through. Hopefully this time it will. Just be assured I always read you and am always blessed for it.
Oh such sweet GRACE.
Thanks to ALL of you who read and respond and pass along E-encouragement. Judging by the responses, we all love and need reminders of grace and mercy shown in everyday life. May you all be blessed with a touch of such this day or when most needed.
Jan
I need to learn to not to read your posts while I’m at work! Someone please pass the tissues!!!! Jan, I love your posts so much. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
Oh, how beautiful ! we were both blessed with God’s best! I miss my best friend too!