Real True Love

Granddaddy June

Grandmamma June

73 - Seventy-Three - yes, 73...

That is how many years my Granddaddy and Grandmamma June have been married.  No typo, 73 years.


They were married in Sumter on June 17, 1938.  Living the good life in Lexington now with son, Stuart and daughter-in-law, Judy, they are role models for all of us who choose and determine “one life, one mate” is the way we want to do it.  We all can’t, but it should certainly be the standard and the mark. 


At a family celebration last week, I was, as always, astounded at their attitude, outlook and love for the Lord and one another.  It is better than any soap opera on TV.  Think about it; when they were married our country was just beginning the great climb out of the Depression; Hitler invading Poland and growing WWll was still a year away and FDR had just begun his 2^nd term as President.  Now, almost ¾ of a century later, their marriage stronger than ever, they support and help each other through a much different, confusing world. And they do it in love.  Friends, I’m telling you; watching them has been one of my life’s greatest blessings and learning experiences.


Recently, during a trip to Rite Aid, Granddaddy and I chose to sit in the car and nap while the women went in the drug store.  As the women of our lives were walking in the store, out of any earshot, he reached over and tapped me on the shoulder, “Eddie”, he said pointing to Grandmamma, “I sure love that woman and don’t know what I would do without her.”  After 73 years, unsolicited; there was no reason to make a statement like that except, well, he loves her.  What a statement on the institution of marriage; I will never forget that moment.  


Happy 73^rd, Granddaddy and Grandmamma June.