later we just couldn’t stand to be apart. So I packed my bags and headed west to marry the love of my life. That turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Following our newlywed bliss, Don remembered that he had put in for a transfer with the Air Force to go overseas. Six months later he left for Japan, and I found myself back in Arkansas eagerly awaiting his return. One year later Don made his way back home, and we then returned to Texas where we would continue our life together and start a family of our own. Don went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad Company, while I stayed at home to care for our three children. After living in the Ft. Worth area for six years, Don was transferred to the Santa Fe building of downtown Amarillo. It is here that we have spent the past forty years discovering the beauty of serving one another in marriage as well as developing a love of service for other people. Serving others does not always come about by desired circumstances, but by keeping our eyes on others, we find that our ability to overcome adversity often gives life to the broken-hearted. About four years ago Don received a phone call from our son, Brett. I could tell by the tone in Don’s voice that something had gone wrong. “What is it?” Don exclaimed. “Alright, I’ll be right over!” It was Debbie, Brett’s wife. She had a blood vessel leak into her brain, causing her to have a stroke and paralyzing her right arm and leg. She lost the ability to cook and clean for her family, but her mind is still exceptional, and she remains an incredible mother to her children. I now have the honor and privilege of serving my family by cooking and cleaning for Brett, Debbie, and the kids. I have always enjoyed cooking and couldn’t think of a greater way to be of service. Sometimes your gift to others is found within the thing you enjoy doing the most. You don’t have to look hard to find a way to serve those around you, and the reward is seeing joy in the countenance of those you love. Anyone seeking to make a difference in the world can start by serving their neighbor. It may seem difficult at first to look past your own wants and needs, but over time it will be your delight and become as easy as pie.
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connect magazine / spring 2009