A Marriage to Emulate

As I reflect on my marriage of soon to be 49 years to my best friend, father of my children and love of my life, my thoughts wander to the marriage of another couple married 75+ years separated now through death. I am referring to Mr. Ray and Mrs. Emma Fennell, Sr., Mr. Ray passed on June 5th.

I recall the passion for life and love that was evident in everything this couple did. They respected their marriage and the commitment they made to each other without ever losing themselves or their individual identities. Together they raised 5 children, sowing the seeds of their legacy of love, commitment to one another as well as community, and a genuine respect for those around them; always practicing kindness. Theirs was a marriage to emulate.

I cannot imagine how one moves on singularly after such a tremendous loss; but I know with all my heart that Mrs. Emma has the strength, courage and decades of amazing memories to comfort her and power her on.

Our community has lost a beacon of light but that beacon has left his twinkle in his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in all those he encountered…that twinkle spreading as sure as a virus of peace, hope, compassion and love!

Rest easy now Mr. Ray, job well done!