Papa's Pittance

8 July 2010----Today is a very special day here at the elder Gentzler household. Why, you say? Well, some forty nine years ago today, on a hot, hot evening at 7:00 pm, Joyce Johannes and Rolland Gentzler were married at Union Valley Community Church. Believe me, it was a hot day. We had rain for two or three days before and it was muggy and sticky. But the ceremony was very lovely and went off without a hitch. Some people that night said, "Well, it will never last." I guess we got the last laugh on them, didn't we?

Anyway, it's been a good forty nine years. Three good, wonderful kids, one great daughter-in-law, and six outstanding grandkids. We've had our share of laughter, fun  and pain along with those, but we have survived. We have learned to trust each other, to lean on each other. When we moved from Hutch to Springfield, we had no one there to "lean on". So we had learned how to lean on the other. One of the songs that was sung at our wedding was "Each for the Other." And I guess that's the way it's been. Oh, I forgot that we also have one almost daughter-in-law and one somewhat son-in-law. Does that make sense? And now, getting back to the rest of the story. I wouldn't have traded these past 48 years for anything.

Last year 2009 was probably one of the most dramatic times in our marriage. Open heart surgery and the recovery period. But, we came through that, too. Then there were the "vertigo" years. But, with God's blessings we made it through those, too. God has been very good to us. I think, sometimes, that I, especially, don't deserve some of the blessings that I've received, but for some reason he bestowed those on me and us.

Perhaps, this is a little syrupy. Not intended to be that way. But, sometimes, I just get carried away with my thoughts. Just wanted you who read this blog to know that today was our anniversary. It was love at first sight, for me, anyway. I knew that I wanted to marry her and six months later we were married. Thanks to all of you, kids and grandkids and friends who have been with us and helped support us for these years. It's been GREAT!.

I'll close by saying that I love you all very much. God Bless, richly. Papa G (Rolland)