Reunion 2017
By their eldest, Deanna Evenson
When I think of mom and dad together, I think of Corinthians 13:4-7. In their lives they have accomplished pages of wonderful things, through friendships, acquaintances, the insurance business together, life lessons taught to their family on the farm, and sharing their wisdom by the way they love and care for each other. There are so many stories to be shared about all of this.
But the heart of it all comes back to Corinthians, a reading often used at the beginning of our marriages. It is a wonderful blessing for us to have a long time together to see that they have made this prayer their life. When one is weary, the other is strong, and so "together" they lean on each other and beautifully complete this prayer.
LOVE IS PATIENT; Boy did they have to be, raising us!
LOVE IS KIND; There wasn't a 4-H project, school assignment, Easter outfit to be sewn, birthday cake to be decorated, baptism to be celebrated, or all the other "hallelujahs" in our lives, as well as the tears, that weren't made special by Mom and Dad.
IT DOES NOT ENVY; I can honestly say I never felt I was "without." We knew we had everything important.
IT DOES NOT BOAST; Mom and Dad taught us not to speak beginning with "I," but instead with "How are you?"
IT IS NOT PROUD; They didn't show pride in themselves, but they were ever grateful, with "buttons busting" over family, when they showed their integrity and could restrain their pride.
IT IS NOT RUDE; One of Mom's favorites, "Better to remain silent and thought ignorant, than to open your mouth and prove it." Don't be rude.
IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING; They taught us to put God 1st, Others 2nd, Selves 3rd.
IT IS NOT 'EASILY' ANGERED; Not that we didn't know when they were disappointed, but...
LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS; They always forgave us.
LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL; I never see gladness in their heart at the expense of someone else.
BUT LOVE REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH; They firmly taught us to believe that right will overcome evil, that truth sets you free, and you don't have to worry that good overcomes evil in the end (although... I can think of an election or two that gave them a good challenge.)
IT ALWAYS PROTECTS; We are safe at home. We are safe and loved when we walk through their door.
LOVE ALWAYS TRUSTS; They just "know and believe" you will do the right thing in the end.
LOVE ALWAYS HOPES; Prayers, rosaries, novenas, and now Dad bringing communion to Mom and watching the mass with her on TV, saying the prayers, singing the hymns -- full of HOPE.
LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES; They taught us all things don't go as we think is right, but keep praying to understand God's will BECAUSE:
LOVE NEVER FAILS.
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