Matthew 19:5 & 6 tells us that: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Howdy and I had a beautiful military wedding. We had 6 men in the Marine Dress Blue uniform with crossed swords, as a tunnel as we left the church. It was wonderful and a first at our old Stone Presbyterian Church.

It was a hot and humid, middle of the summer, wedding. It was the 13th of July in 1957. Howdy was a little late for the wedding. I was worried that he was backing out. But…no, he just spent to much time shining his brass buttons on his dress blue uniform. Then as he was driving to the church he started to run out of gas. This does get funny. At the time I was not laughing. Howdy stopped to get gas in his 1956 Ford Convertible with the T-bird engine but had no money. That’s right, this Marine had not planned well. No money, that’s no problem, I’ll hock my watch. He left his watch with the gas station attendant and made it to the church.

Wedding Party July 13, 1957

As we came out of the church all our friends were throwing rice. Do you know just how hard uncooked rice is when it hits the face. Ugh!  Moving on, we had a delightful wedding. So many of my mother’s friends helped out by making the cake, bringing extra sheet cakes,  finger tip sandwiches, drinks, beer and more.

We spent the afternoon at my mother and father’s house opening gifts. Such a great time. The Marines tried to put Limburger cheese on the motor of Howdy’s car. My step grandmother got wind of the trick so she stood guard.

On our way out of town to the honeymoon, we stopped to get Howdy’s watch. This Marine had no money, no planning but the Lord provided. My grandfather, George Jones gave Howdy some money and my father gave more. Oh, what a way to start a honeymoon in 1957.

More later.