As we launch our new VNC MOPS Blog, we're excited to let you know of another weekly feature you can look forward to seeing here . . . words of wisdom from Walter's Wife.
I won't take the time to tell you about her, as she does that herself in the letter below. Suffice to say, Walter's wife has "been there, done that" and has generously offered to share her thoughts and experiences with us this year.
Think of it as the "Dear Abby" of MOPS here at VNC. Each week, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, whether it be by submission at our meetings or in the comment section of Walter's wife's posts here on the blog. You are free to remain anonymous if you wish. The choice is up to you.
Enjoy! And now, I'd like to introduce you to Walter's Wife . . .
Dear friends,
Many, many years ago I led a peaceful life on a farm in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. I helped my Mother and learned what it meant to work hard and take pride in what was accomplished. Mother always told me to remember I was created by God for a special reason so it was very important to stay close to God and follow his rules for life. She said life wouldn't always be easy, but if I trusted God and followed him, he would guide me through everything. So, as she taught me to sew, clean and cook around our farm home, she kept teaching me life's lessons based on God's word. I always felt loved and protected. My Father was an honorable man who worked hard on our farm. He always complimented Mother on her delicious meals and even after a long hard day, he always offered to help Mother with the dishes. I know now, that it was his way of spending time with her and having that respectful example for us to see. My brother and I watched their interaction and of course, thought it was mushy when he gave Mother a kiss on her cheek. It wasn't so much what he said to her that made such an impact, as it was the tone of his voice and the tender way he looked at her. There was never a day that we didn't know how much they loved each other. He had a playful way about him and a sense of humor that kept us laughing. Life on the farm with my Brother and parents was hard work, but we had lots of fun and laughter too. I knew I wanted to marry someone just like my Father.
We belonged to the local Bible church and our parents made sure that Sunday was a day to go to church, worship and visit with our friends. I loved those church picnics in the summer. There was always a bounty of food, all homemade with loving hands. I remember Mrs. Miller's fried chicken, it was so crisp on the outside and the flesh would just melt in your mouth with every bite. Miss Clara always brought her butter biscuits and a church picnic couldn't be held without the Brooks sisters pies. I have never been able to make a tender crust like theirs. The boys always wanted to play ball in the field behind the church, while the girls sat under the old oak tree, enjoying a cool breeze while we watched and shared girl stories, usually about the boys you know. There was one boy in the church that seemed to be paying particular attention to me. It seemed like everywhere I was, he was close by, looking at me. When I caught his glances, he always gave me a big smile and nodded his head. I thought he was very handsome, but always the gentleman. His family was new to our church and it wasn't long before I learned that his name was Walter.
Walter and I enjoyed our visits and our parents were always close by, so that everything was proper. We never had eyes for anyone but each other. After our high school graduation, Walter left for trade school and I missed him so much. We wrote letters and spent time together when he came home. Then on Valentines Day, Walter came to our home for a visit. After dinner, Mother and I were washing up the dishes and Walter and my Father seemed to disappear for quite a while out to the barn. I wondered what was so interesting in the barn that would keep them occupied for such a long time. When they came into the house, my Father had a peculiar grin on his face and asked Mother to go for a walk with him. It was during their walk, that Walter got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I then understood what was so interesting in the barn. He had asked Father for permission to marry me. Of course, I said yes.
Well, that was over 50 years ago. In the course of our marriage we were blessed with three wonderful children who have given us many grandchildren. After Father and Mother went to be with The Lord, we moved to our beloved farm. Our grandchildren love to hear all the stories about life there on the farm, about Mother telling me all the ways God loved me and how he had a purpose for my life. We laugh at some of the old stories about Father and his sense of humor, and importantly about how he respected and loved Mother. We still attend our little Bible Church and still enjoy potluck dinners on occasion. The big oak tree still stands close by and Walter and I sometimes stroll under it holding hands and remember when . . . . .
Oh, I could go on and on about life with Walter. He always offers to help me with dishes after dinner and my heart still leaps when he looks at me tenderly and speaks lovingly to me, kind of reminds me of Father with Mother. I have so many stories to tell about raising those little ones. We had our ups and downs, but they turned out pretty good. Oh, before I go, if you ever want to ask me anything about living with Walter or raising those little ones, I'm always willing to share . . . .
Love, Walter's wife
