This is a story of a Restoration

I restored this boat from April 2006 to October 2008. You will need to go to the very bottom, October 2008, to find the biginning. See blog archive on the right side.















Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is her birthday. I wanted her to be my Valentine from the very first night I saw her on that dance floor in September, 1963. At first she was very cautious. She didn’t remember me the next week. (I think she did, but didn’t want to act too excited!!) It took me two months to get a date. She gave me all kinds of excuses, chances for me to back off. She had five kids. No problem. She was on probation. Huh? (She was a widow going thru probate court.) But I didn’t let up on her. Finally I could come to her home for Sunday dinner and meet her children. Now, today, her children are my best friends and my most favorite people. It was in November, 1963.


I courted her a year and two months before we got engaged on Christmas day 1964. We planned our wedding for July 12, 1965. We went on a two week honeymoon thru Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington and back home to Idaho.


Then we had 42 years, 2 months and 5 days together. I’ll admit that ever day was not a honeymoon, we had our problems. She had to forgive me 70 times 7. But they were good years. I helped raise her children and we had a beautiful child of our own. Then 21 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren.



She got a teaching degree and taught 5th grade for 27 years. She held many Church positions and worked beside me in the Temple for 15 years. She endured the lose of a son and a daughter, her parents and two siblings.

When she left me for a better place September 17, 2007, I was numb for awhile. And I didn’t know how much I really loved her, until she after was gone.

I hated to let her go. But she was in so much pain. When I realized that she was gone, I didn’t dare touch her or talk to her for a few minutes, I was afraid that I may wake her up, because she didn’t want to stay. I wonder if she watched me hesitate. She came back and talked to two of her daughters and let us know how much she loved us, that the Gospel is True, and that it was time for her to go.

She was born February 14, 1933 to a poor but hansom mechanic father and a beautiful housewife mother in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Lived 56 years in the same house. As the area grew, she belonged to 3 stakes and 3 wards, and never moved. She had 2 acres of beautiful yard and flowers. She loved her children first; her home, yard and flowers second; her cat third; and then me. She is now "Heavens Master Gardener".











I love you Darlene, my Sweetheart, my Valentine. 'Til we meet again.

13 comments:

Haynsy said...

Amazing what can happen with love.

The best part, it's not over for you yet! You still have a journey with her in front of you.

Very beautiful woman.

Me (aka Danielle) said...

What a Sweet Sweet Tribute!

Blessings on You head Old Boat Guy!
and
Happy Valentines Day!

Anjeny said...

This is sooo beautiful, this tribute of yours. And she is beautiful. I am grateful for the gospel and the plan of salvation, makes it possible for us to see our loved ones again. I'm sure she's still tending her beautiful garden up there, waiting for you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

nevadanista said...

I'm crying...that's not at all what I was expecting to read. Beautiful tribute! Happy Valentine's Day.

Becky said...

I'm not gonna lie, Old Boat Guy. I cried like a baby during most of this post.

I'm so glad we know what we know and that she gets to be yours forever.

OldBoatGuy said...

Haynsy, Me, Anjeny, Nevadanista and Becky. I didn't write this to make you cry, but I was bawling while I wrote it. It's been almost 17 months, and I think I cry a little each day, specially when I go to bed.

Earlier, some one asked that I write about how we met, and this was that post, but I may have taken it too far. I wasn't fishing for sympathy.

She is just an elegant lady. Both in body and mind. It was a privilage to know her and to share her life.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Oh how sweet. She is so beautiful. I love that first photo of her with her kids.

What a tender tribute. You are such a stud. Lisa is so lucky to have a father like you.

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

This was a very sweet tribute, thanks for sharing with all of us and especially her children and grandchildren.

OldBoatGuy said...

Thanks, Crash, I'm the one that is luky, that Lisa came to our house to live.

Thanks, Pat, I always pray for your Mother, that she can recover and remain long with your Dad.

Marjorie said...

Hey OldBoatGuy, What a beautiful tribute. I just had to comment and add my love and admiration for your sweet Darlene! She was a wonderful example to all of us of how to be an elect lady. I miss her too!

I loved the pictures of your beautiful "Garden of Eden". Beautiful flowers are so restorative to our souls.

I stop by every now and then and read your blog but haven't posted a reply yet. Glad to know that things are going along okay for you.

Thank you for your prayers. I feel very much strengthened when I know that people like you are reminding the Big Guy upstairs of my great needs at this time. I know that I sure couldn't go through this alone. So far He has answered those prayers!

OldBoatGuy said...

Thanks, Marjorie. You and I both know that some prayers are answered, and some are not. We pray for relief, but receive whatever answers our Loving Heavenly Father sends to us. He even took the Prophets wife, and I accept His decision about Darlene.

She was an Elect Lady, as are you.

Love to you, Arlon

LBBlum said...

thanks for sharing old boat guy. I'm glad I didn't miss this post.
It was beautiful and touching and hope my husband can say the same about me.. she sounds amazing.

Amanda said...

I haven't been here in awhile and wanted to check the progress of your boat. I was blessed to stumble upon this entry in my search to see how gorgeous your boat turned out.

Darlene sounds amazing! What a beautiful person, inside and out. I admire your faith and patience as you finish your work here. It is so comforting to know we can be reunited with those who are so special to us!