Thursday, May 6, 2010

An Amazing Couple

Hello my friends,

I know most of you are enjoying wonderful Spring weather with everything green, many blossoms on your fruit trees and playing in your gardens. We can't do that here yet as we still have lots of snow and it was only +3 on my deck today. We are suppose to warm up this weekend and be really warm by mid week. We do live in a winter province and those of us who live here know we can have snow any month of the year and we have.

I went and picked out my new glasses this afternoon then stopped in at a friends for coffee. Pat (she is the lady I bought my condo from) called me this morning, she is full of cold and has a bit of flu. When she invited me over I didn't have the heart to tell her my immune system is low as I knew she didn't want to be alone. I was so glad I did go. Pat and her husband Dave had taken their 2 daughters, their sons in law and six grandchildren to Hawaii on a 10 day vacation. It was their Christmas gift to them, and they only got back last week. She may have not been feeling well but she was so tanned and looked great. She was telling me about their wonderful trip and showing me pictures but there is one story I want to share with all of you.

Before going to bed one night, Dave, her husband reminded everyone they were having family pictures taken on the beach the following morning so they shouldn't show up in their bathing suits type of thing. Well the next morning they all arrived on the beach, the photographer was arranging everyone and had the adults standing side by side when Dave turned to his sons in law and said, "alright guys you ready" then the 3 men got down on their knees and asked their wives to marry them again.....the photographer was a minister and his helper was his wife. They renewed their vows as they wore the special marital lays their husbands had arranged for them, pictures were taken, and they were given marriage certificates, this is recognized as a completely legal marriage so now Pat shares a wedding anniversary with her daughters and this was done with all their grandchildren present. Dave had arranged all of this before they even left Canada. They had a wonderful champagne breakfast with a beautiful 3 layered wedding cake. I had tears streaming down my face as she told me all about it and seeing the pictures, well it was all so beautiful.

Dave came home while I was there, he came in carrying a bag of citrus fruit, bottles of ginger ale and Tylenol for colds. When he kissed her hello and she smiled at him they were both glowing. Pat and Dave have been married 40 years and are one of the nicest couples I know. They welcomed me to Morinville and we have continued to be friends for all these years, they are an amazing couple with an amazing family. I am so happy for them, their story is a true love story and what an example they have set for their daughters and their families.

I only wish I had a picture to show you, they only look 40 years old.....guess that is what true love does for you.

God Bless.............and many, many hugs :-)


100 comments:

Maggie May said...

I hope your friend feels better soon and I really hope you manage to stay free of it too, Bernie.

What is happening to the weather? It has gone very cold here, though it would be extremely unlikely that we would get snow at this time of the year.
Surely Spring must be just round the corner for you, Bernie!
Luv Maggie X

Nuts in May

Renna said...

I am speechless. I'm blessed with a pretty great guy, but Dave sounds like a gem among men!

Anonymous said...

That sounds absolutely fabulous... What a marvelous thing to do :0)

CorvusCorax12 said...

what a wonderful story

Wanda..... said...

What a surprise for the wives, that was a sweet story Bernie. Dave even thought to have a wedding cake and of course the citrus fruit, ginger ale and Tylenol were for his wife's cold!

Which, I sure hope you do not catch, Bernie! I'm also hoping warmer weather will be there for you soon, so that You and Terry can put up up flower baskets when she comes to visit.

I may go buy a few flowers for the front porch today myself!
Love to you Bernie...Wanda♥

Brian Miller said...

so cool about dave and his boys...hope your other friend feels better...snow...just blows my mind. have a marvelous weekend!

Denise said...

Such a precious story, thanks for sharing.

My Aimless Infatuation said...

How refreshing to hear a true love story,so glad you shared this. I'm sending a little of our sunshine your way Bernie,it was in the 90's here in Alabama yesterday and very muggy. I have lived here most of my life but being raised in snow country(Michigan)I still prefer the winter. Have a great weekend and I hope you get the weather soon that you wish for.

Vicki Lane said...

Thank you for sharing your friend's lovely story!

Eileen said...

Such a beautiful display and affirmation of love. Such a Blessed couple! As is their family. They really do sound amazing, I can see why you feel so close to them.

Thanks for sharing this special relationship with us. I LOVE 'feel good' stories.

Stay well, Bernie.
It's so like you to put aside your own health and happiness for a friend.
You are a 'feel good' story too!

Love to you,
Eileen

Diana said...

What a wonderful surprise! I would have loved to see the beach photo although I can envision it somewhat!
Your story just shows how wonderful marriage can be Bernie.
My DIL's sister just recently became engaged to a wonderful young man. He is very sweet, polite and has manners. Something that I consider somewhat rare these days!
I remember thinking just last weekend "Will they ever get married?" And then I thought, no, as they are very much retro hippies!
But they decided to get married because it is a union blessed by God. We were all so surprised and happy as I can picture them together forty years from now too!
Your story of your friends shows how beautiful marriage can be. Thank you Bernie. Love Di ♥

Wander to the Wayside said...

Wow! The trip of a lifetime! What a great story.

Kay said...

can make even the most of cynical girl swoon... how romantic and blissful... a lifetime of memory for all

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

Well, I just hope you don't come down with that cold -- your kind heart is a joy (and a worry) to behold.

Your friend's Hawaiian trip will undoubtedly be a highlight of their lives for always now...

Anvilcloud said...

Great story, Bernie. But what if one or more of the woman had declined? ;)

Tranquility Speaks said...

I hope your friend gets better soon. I'm suffering from a sore throat myself! Fell ill when I had some time off work :-) What a lovely life your friend is blessed to have :)

How are you Bernie? Why is your immunity still so low? Do you get Indian gooseberry there? It should strengthen your immunity. Have some green tea too. It's loaded with anti-oxidants! Take care

Anonymous said...

That was a wonderful story to hear. That is a heck of a lot of organizing for him to have done. That speaks volumes about the real man. Hope your weather gets better soon. It can sure be a downer. Blessings
QMM

Gail said...

HI BERNIE

Oh my, such a wonderful story of love and promise and family honor. :-)

Made my day!!

Love you
Gail
peace.....

Teresa said...

Wow Bernie,
That is a wonderful story. Too bad all of your lives couldn't be that wonderful. Glad you are feeling better.
(((HUGS))) T

Rebecca said...

That was a beautiful beach scene that you described, Bernie! PLEASE stay well. And don't miss beautiful Bernie in Wanda's post! What a fine tribute to you!

Valerie said...

That truly is a happy ever after story, Bernie. I'm glad Dave pulled it off, it would have been awful if one of the wives said No.
I'm not enjoying spring yet, but will when it comes ... if it does.

Abbey's Road said...

What a sweet story. I hope your friend is feeling better soon. My Mother and Dad are the truest love story that I have witnessed in my own life. I am so blessed to have them as my role models.

Enjoyed this entry, Bernie.

BLESSINGS,
Abbey

Anne said...

Now that is very romantic! Renewing your vows after all the years, that is a beautiful thing.
Wow!
Take care.

aims said...

What a beautiful love story! Thanks for retelling it!

Bernie said...

Hello Miss Maggie, there are so many people here with horrible colds and flu.....I think it has something to do with our cold damp weather.....Spring is arriving next week Maggie, I can feel it in my bones. Hope you and Harry are well my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Renna, I know as I was emotional just seeing the pictures and hearing Pat tell me all about it. I so love these dear friends..Hugs

Bernie said...

ED, wasn't it wonderful of Dave and the girls were so surprised.
I loved it......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Twain12, I know, I so loved this story and if you met this wonderful couple you would love them as I do.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Wanda, it was a wonderful story and I was so happy for Pat, she is such a sweetie....I know you would love her as well Wanda, in fact I find you both very much alike.

My fingers are itching to be outside and working on flowers. Spring will be here next week and I can hardly wait.

I had another B12 shot this morning so I am hoping I won't catch Pat's cold.

Have a great weekend my friend, big hugs to Alivia.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Brian, snow is ridiclous this time of year but around it is not uncommon.

What Dave and his SIL's did was wonderful, the girls were thrilled.

Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Denise, it was such a pleasure to share my friends love story, they are such a good example for young people today. Hope you and hubby are feeling well.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Miss Aimless, I could do with a little less winter and more Spring right now but I know it will turn pretty soon, and our summers can be really hot. If it is not the furnace its the air conditioning running. Have a great weekend..Hugs

Bernie said...

Vicki, I couldn't resist sharing their story, it really touched my heart.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Eileen, thank you sweetie. You do say such kind words and I so appreciate your thoughtfulness.

You would love Pat & Dave, they are wonderful Christians as are their children but they do not judge anyone.....they just include and love everyone they meet. Pat has become such a true friend.

Have a great weekend......:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Diana, they have one of the best marriages I know.....I love seeing couples who love each other, it just makes for such a happy and enjoyable visit. Love these wonderful friends......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Linda, I think this couple could go grocery shopping and make it a trip of a lifetime. They are so well matched and their love for each other always shows....it is wonderful to see......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Kay, I have missed you and yes you are right they really make a girl feel she should be married, and yes they have tried to fix me up with one of their employees....wasn't for me though.
Love these friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Holly, the trip of a lifetime for sure, and an everlasting memory.
Hope your hubby and son are doing better today sweetie.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C, I was teasing Dave and asked him that very question, his answer was they were on an island and he had everyone's passports - the girls couldn't run...LOL.

Have a great weekend my friend. Hugs to those beautiful grandchildren......:-)

Bernie said...

Stillness, where would I find Indian Gooseberry....in a health food store. I do drink green tea.

Hope you are feeling better sweetie, dreadful to be ill on your days off.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Peggy, that family's life and the way they live it would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.

Our weather is still not great, no more snow though, the last storm is melting. It will be nice to be able to work outside the house soon.

Have a great weekend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, I know how you feel, it really picks me up whenever I spend time with this couple. Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Terri, their life seems like a fairy tale but they went through a lot during their early years....they learned their lessons and now are one of the happiest couple I know.

Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, I only wish I could of shown you all a picture of the ceremony......so beautiful.

Did you mean Bernie Blue Bird, I know and I love it. Wanda told be me about her a few weeks ago and I smile whenever she mentions them.
She is my dearest blogging friend, I don't think I would enjoy blogging very much without her being a part of it.

Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Val you and A/C said the same thing and I smiled....read my response to him and you will know what happened.

I understand your weather is quite cool as well, hope it warms up for you.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Abbey, I remember reading your post about your parents and I could tell how much you admired their marriage. I love knowing there are such wonderful couples close by.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Choices, wasn't it wonderful that her husband organized all of it, I loved this story......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

aims, this story touched my heart so deeply I just had to share it with all of you.

Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs

Abbey's Road said...

Left you something special on my blog ... ;)

HUGS,
Abbey

Cindy said...

What an amazing story, Bernie. what a wonderful thing for the whole family. I hope you continually keep getting better and have more energy. take care. Hugs

Lynn said...

I hope your friend gets to feeling better real soon. Dave sounds like a real thoughtful and wonderful man! What a wonderful thing to do! Such beautiful memories of this special moment in time that they will have forever!

Thank you for visiting me today and for your caring comments...

I am feeling more and more like myself as each day passes which is great!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
~Lynn

Lynn said...

I hope your friend gets to feeling better real soon. Dave sounds like a real thoughtful and wonderful man! What a wonderful thing to do! Such beautiful memories of this special moment in time that they will have forever!

Thank you for visiting me today and for your caring comments...

I am feeling more and more like myself as each day passes which is great!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
~Lynn

VKT said...

What a lovely story Bernie dear!! I can only imagine how special that was for all of them. Blessings my sweet friend....I am keeping you in my prayers....praying for your health to improve!

Jackie said...

You know that I worried when I read that you went to your friend's...and she had a cold. Please, please...take care of you. I know that you are caring and loving....and I worry that you will get sick.
What a beautiful love story...the renewing of the vows. They sound like a wonderful couple to have as friends. Bless you, Bernie. May God richly bless you as you continue His mission of love.
Much love to you,
Jackie

Bernie said...

Hi Abbey, I will be over soon, Hugs

Bernie said...

Lynn, so glad you are feeling your old self, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy Mother's Day.....Hugs

Bernie said...

VKT, thank you Lynn. It is a beautiful love story isn't it, I loved hearing all about it.
Happy Mother's Day sweetie...Hugs

Bernie said...

Jackie, please don't worry sweetie, I will be fine. How are your parents? Think about you every day and Jackie thank you for your prayers, you know how much I love them.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

cinner, if you met this couple you would absolutely love them....they are much better than I could ever describe.....:-) Hugs

Sniffles and Smiles said...

What an absolutely beautiful story, dear Bernie! Such an encouragement to everyone, whether married or single that true love still thrives! Hope your weather is improving...and that you do NOT catch your friend's sickness...I'm going to be praying especially! Love you so much! Janine XO

Bernie said...

Janine, I am so happy to hear from you, I have missed you. I am doing better and hope to continue.

Pat and Dave are very special people, you would love them.

Happy Mothers Day sweetie....Hugs

Debbie said...

what an amazing story...so much hope in forever!!

quieten said...

Isn't love grand? What a beautiful thing to do1
Huggz,
Quieten

Garnetrose said...

I am sorry to hear your friend was ill and I hope she gets to feeling better soon. There trip sounded lovely. What Dave and the others did was so romantic. *s*

Bernie said...

Debbie, hope is what keeps us all dreaming of true love....:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

quieten, how are you sweetie, and how is George? Happy Mothers Day my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Garnet, I am sure someone could make a real romance novel out of their life and love story wonderful family really. Happy Mothers Day my friend....:-) Hugs

The Retired One said...

What a great story, Bernie!!! What a great idea for him to surprise her with. Sounds like they are a wonderful couple.
We are almost home...made it across country up to as far as Ann Arbor,Michigan tonight--which is about 9 hours from home.So tomorrow night we shall be sleeping in our own beds. Yay! The weather in lower Michigan is FREEZING cold...barely 40F and hard, cold winds. I heard we also got snow in the U.P. (about 3 or 4 inches) but that it is melting away today. I sure hope so...I can't bear to see it when we have been in the 80's and 90's this past week in Florida.
Little Nicholas is doing just fine at home with Mama and Daddy...and we are so happy and feel so blessed..that is what I wanted for Mother's Day...a healthy grandbaby....!
I will write again when I get settled and home again...hope you are feeling better, I have been thinking of you my friend...and wishing you better health. luv to you!

Cheryl said...

I hope the snow is fast disappearing and the temps climbing higher. I so enjoyed your story of your friends, we need to hear more of these lovely stories in today's world! Thank you for sharing it. And how wonderful the family shares a wedding date, wonderful memories for them to keep forever! Take good care of yourself!

Bernie said...

Joan, so good to hear the baby is doing so well, he is so beautiful and a perfect Mothers Day Gift.

Drive safe and I know you will enjoy being home tomorrow.

Happy Mothers Day dear friend...Hugs

Bernie said...

Cheryl, it was sunny today but cool. Our snow is almost all gone now.

Happy Mothers Day Cheryl....:-)Hugs

CiCi said...

That is an awesome story. What a nice surprise on the beach with the whole family there. I am just speechless, this is so wonderful.

Bernie said...

TechnoBabe, they are a beautiful family, and I don't know many couples like them. They really make you feel good being around them.......:-) Hugs

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Much, much love to you, dear Bernie! Just wanted to stop by, and say "hello," and hope that you have had a lovely weekend! ~Janine XO

Barb said...

Bernie, This was a wonderful story. What a lovely, meaningful surprise (for the whole family!). Hope you are feeling well. Happy Mothers Day to you. I'm back home in Breckenridge. The snow is melting. We leave on Tues for CA.

Bernie said...

Janine, I am so grateful for your visits, and thank you for thinking of me.....luv ya, ......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Barb, I am sure you are happy to be back home.
Our snow has almost melted as well.
I just know you will have a wonderful time in CA Barb, be well my friend and Happy Mothers Day to you as well......:-) Hugs

Alleluiabelle said...

I love you my friend! Oh how I love this real-life love story! I am a true romantic at heart you know. It just filled my heart as I read along in your post. I could just picture it all...how absolutely beautiful.

I'm sorry I haven't got around to commenting much due to my husband's ongoing heart issues. I'm not quite back into the loop yet.

I pray that you are well on the mend my friend and that your immune system is strengthened to the max by His divine hand. You are one beautiful woman with one great big beautiful heart.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. You continue to be in mine as well.

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Bernie said...

Hi Alle, thank you for your kind words and please don't worry about commenting. I realize how busy you have been. I do hope Ron and Sandi are feeling better.....:-) Hugs

Snowbrush said...

Peggy and I are on our 38th.

Barry said...

What a beautiful story. I would pass it along to my wife but it might put ideas in her head.

I hope it warms up on your deck soon.

Bernie said...

Snow if my husband were still alive we would celebrate 42 yrs this year.....I still feel him beside me.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Barry, I do hope you are feeling better. Go ahead tell Linda we both know you would marry her all over again and she would marry you in a heart beat. You two have your own love story....:-)Hugs

Jen said...

That was a beautiful story. I hope I find a guy like that one day. Stay warm and stay well.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Your story made my day!!!!! Thank you so much.

What a special family and a great group of guys to make such a special occasion happen while on vacation.

WOW!

Have a great week,
jj

Unknown said...

the 85th comment sounds like a good round number! Wow Bernie that does sound like a wonderful Hawaiian trip and what a wonderful way to celebrate together! LOVE yes indeed! I can't believe all of the snow you get where you live! YES your headband will come in handy! PHEW know to get them in the mail! LOVE and HUGS...linda

Bernie said...

Jen, there are many nice guys around but I do think Dave is pretty special......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

JJ they are a beautiful family, wonderful friends.
Have a great week as well my friend,......:-) Hugs

Anne H said...

I love to come here and see how much love and joy you spread!

Bernie said...

Hi Anne, stop by anytime I love hearing from you. In fact I only left your place a short time ago.
Happy Tuesday my friend.....Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Linda, how are you feeling?
We do live in a winter province and snow can happen anytime but it was nice outside today.
Take care sweetie......:-) Hugs

Just Be Real said...

Lovely post Bernie. Hope you friend feels better. Blessings.

Mary N. said...

Wow! That's cold Bernie! Not that it's all that warm here right now either, last 2 nights were cold enough to snow but warmed up nicely during the day. Thank you for sharing your friends' story. It lifts my heart to read stories like these. God's peace be with you:)

Anita said...

May God bless your friends with many more joyous years together. :)

Bernie said...

Just Be Real....thank you, Pat is feeling better. Have a great day.
.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Mary, same here. It is very cold at night but the past couple of days have been sunny and warm and is suppose to get warmer over the weekend......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Anita, they are a wonderful couple with much faith in God....he has been very good to them...:-) Hugs

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Congrats to Pat and Dave. No fair they still look like 40 after 40 years.

Hope you are doing better also, Bernie.

Melanie said...

What a beautiful story of love and marriage!

Tranquility Speaks said...

I'm sorry you had trouble finding Indian gooseberry. We get it here in abundance. I am not sure where you could find it there. Citrus fruits like oranges, pineapple should help too. Along with lemon juice.

Please have the following too. Here is a list I found on a website (and as per my own knowledge too)
1. Yogurt
2. Brocolli
3. Add turmeric to foods if possible. It is a yellow color spice. It is an anti septic and has chemicals which help you fight flu.
4. oregano, ginger and garlic (they will give the food a wonderful flavor).

I will send a few recipe links too which you could try
5. Bell peppers
6.