Remembering Steve

The moment I saw Steve  I noticed how different he was from the boys I had gone to school with.  Madras shirts and khaki slacks were his favorite attire along with his London Fog raincoat. He was a freshman at the local Jr. College, a year younger than me and was cruising the local A&W hangout with mutual friends.  He was 18. Little did either of us know at that first meeting that in less than a year we'd be married with a baby on the way.

We were married in August, settled in as married folks (really like playing house) and spent much time getting to know each other.  We loved the beach and playing crazy eights.  Steve's family lived close by and mine in the next town.  His young life had been different than mine; emotionally, economically and socially.  We were married 2 years and 2-1/2 months.  On a bright day in May my young husband, age 21, died of acute and chronic Glomerulonephritis; 45 years ago.

Father's day has brought him to mind; that and just spending a week with the son he fathered so long ago.  We were so young.  As I think back to that brief time, I'm always amazed at the husband and father this young man was.  His planned future had been interrupted and this once carefree young man who partied with the best of them took very seriously this new responsibility.  He was studying to become an interior designer (following in his parent's footsteps.) and worked 5 days a week at the shop and design studio he hoped to be a part of after he completed his training.

Recently I had the opportunity to have a conversation with one of Steve's best friends whom I hadn't seen since his death.
It was interesting to hear him describe how he and Steve's other friends were impacted by Steve's maturity and commitment to marriage and fatherhood.

As I consider that time in my life I'm reminded anew of God's sovereignty and how as now He saw ahead to what He had purposed for my life and the ministry he would call me to.  It also reminds me that being a young widow taught me many things.  Most importantly that I was not alone.  God has walked with me, loved me, rescued me and fogiven me step by step, day by day!

Lord, thank you for these memories of long ago that have helped to shape this woman you love!  Thank you too for my son and the man he has grown to be. In Jesus name and for His sake.
Amen!

 I'd love to hear about the people in your lives that have left footprints on your heart! 
Hugs,
Judy