Monday, September 01, 2003

Happy Anniversary

41 years ago today, in a small rural church in MacGregor Manitoba, Reuben Friesen and Evie Thiessen made their vows to one another. They promised, before God and the gathered, to love and honour and to be faithful to each other, till death they would part.

 

Since that moment on a warm September's day on the prairies, they have lived out that commitment to each other.

 

Four children came along, the first (me) about a year after the big day. Then there followed Gaylene, Jeffrey, and Robyn. All of whom brought much joy to their lives, till they began to grow up. Later on Lauralea was added, and then followed four grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

In 1981, as I departed for college and my place in the world, they responded to a clear call of God on their lives. They sold most of what they owned, and gave up their jobs. They left family and friends and church in Saskatoon and moved to a small town in Southwestern Ontario called Aylmer. There they became an early version of Youth Pastor's for the church there. The title didn't come with any income in those days, so they made a living the best they could. They worked hard and it was never easy. They settled in and made their home in Aylmer, helping immigrants from Mexico adapt to life and, eventually, to a living faith in God.

 

 

 

 

In the mid 90's Dad became ill with a genetic disorder which would destroy his liver. It was decided that they would move to Saskatoon to be nearer family as they walked through these uncertain days. What followed was an emotional rollercoaster as Dad began the process to see if he would qualify for a liver transplant. He was unable to work, so they lost their home and business, and mom quit working so she could care for him. And so they wandered through a haze of testing and positives and negatives. Dad became sicker and finally received a new liver. He really hung in the balance for a year, when, he needed another transplant. This one took hold, but he has never been able to get his good health back.

 

The rollercoaster ride of those years took their toll on both of them. The emotions, the tears, the joys, were unbelievable. The drugs dad has to take to stay alive, effect him profoundly. In fact, they are so strong they are eating the calcium from his bones. He's shrinking.

 

 

I have watched as they have become angry and hurt, -questioning, grieving. Then watch as it resolved into a positive, faithful approach to their daily struggle for survival. I have watched as they lost everything, and hung on to each other, and to God. And I have been impressed with their faithfulness to the vows they made 41 years ago, and their decision to love one another, through all the good, and especially through all the bad life threw at them.

 

So, here you are, ages 61 and 60 with 41 years together. Who knows how much time you have yet together. As your son, I am proud of your living example of faithfulness, mom and dad. Thank you for teaching us what it's all about. Thank you for living out your vows. Thank you for serving God with your lives.

 

We love you.








3 comments:

  1. One of the best posts I've read in months.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Took moments to write it up, years to live out.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow. Incredible story. Congratulations to your parents and blessings on them!

    ReplyDelete



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