The waters of Jordan have been stirring lately with the feet of the saints of my childhood. It seems like once (or twice) a month one of them is crossing over. I’ve saved this message for Valentine’s Day because it is so perfect for it.
My last post was about my cousin Doris who left us to be with Jesus. One month later her precious husband, Bud, pursued her to Heaven’s gates. How few youngin’s meet, marry, raise a family and traverse this life together, to the very end? What is it that keeps that spark kindled for decades? It might have been his beautiful eyes, his tanned skin, his spearmint breath (he always had a stick of gum for me), or his handsome head of Kouns hair, but I think it was the way that he cared for her as if his own life didn’t matter. He provided, he built, and he lived as if she was the only woman that existed. What woman could resist? She returned the favor. When times were hard she was as happy; when times were good she was happy. She was content with only him.
I don’t think that Doris was sitting (as in the song) on the “other side of Jordan”. I think Bud probably had to look for her. She only left a few weeks ago, and I’m sure she’s still making the rounds. I don’t think she even looked surprised as they stood there in their new light and perfection - she knew he would come as soon as he could.
My “little” cousin, Renee posted these lyrics by Heidi Newfield a few days before Bud died. This is a song about another beautiful romance, Johnny and June Carter Cash. It’s perfect for Bud and
Doris and all of you “lifers” out there.
Doris and all of you “lifers” out there.
I wanna love like Johnny and June,
Rings of fire burnin’ with you,
I wanna walk the line, walk the line,
‘Til the end of time,
I wanna love, love ya that much,
Cash it all in, give it all up,
When you’re gone, I wanna go too,
Just like Johnny and June
Here’s to your forever love Bud and Doris….and to mine. Happy 30th Valentine’s Day Mr. Rinke, you’re pretty awesome too.
