I’m Remembering
Day 45 of Photo Inspirations — February 14, 1961 — I’m remembering.
Fifty-four years ago today, the cutest dark haired 13-year old boy named Ronnie (aka Ron) Wuerch and me, the lankiest, 12-year old girl named Donna Wheat, had our very first “official” date (chauffeured by Ron’s dad) to a church Valentine’s Banquet. This photo is that day – Ronnie had to stand on the step above me – I was taller than him, and the dress I wore, was the “shortened” version of the junior bridesmaid dress I wore in my cousin’s wedding. Oh, the butterflies in my stomach, the sweaty palms, and the pride I had in showing off my “boy friend” to my friends. At thirteen, Ronnie was already an accomplished pianist and could sing like a teen-idol! That night, he played the piano and sang at the banquet. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world when my girl friends said, “He sings and looks just like Frankie Avalon!” (Okay, I know the youngsters reading this, have no idea who Frankie Avalon was, but suffice it to say, “He was a hunk!”). The other photo here is the charm bracelet he gave me the next year on Valentine’s Day — it was our 1-year “first date” anniversary!
It was a complete set-up by my grandmother – of all people. She invited my family to their church where Ronnie’s dad was the Pastor. Right from the beginning of the church service, I saw that cute boy looking and smiling at me…..and I smiled back. A few days later, my grandmother called to say, “Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you.” And, I said, “Tell him I like him!” And that’s the way we began. Early on in our relationship, not only did my grandmother know, but so did our mothers know (you know – that woman’s intuition), that we were meant to be. And, here I am, fifty-four years later, on this February 14, 2015, and saying, “Yes, we were meant to be!”
It’s been 4 years and 3 months since my Valentine Sweetheart’s graduation to heaven. I’m missing him today…incredibly! Would I bring him back, if I could? I’ll answer that in this way. I love him too much to want him back. You see, the Bible is full of wonderful promises, and perhaps the most wonderful of all is this: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). There are many things we don’t know about what heaven will be like, because it is beyond our ability to comprehend. But one thing we can be sure of, is that it will fulfill our greatest longings; it will dazzle us with its beauty; it will be greater than anything we could imagine or dream; it will be a place where love and joy will reign unspoiled. And, that’s where my Honey is celebrating this Valentine’s Day. I would NEVER want to bring him back, but, one thing’s for sure, my greatest determination is to be there with him someday. So, I’m purposing to live each remaining day as if it is my last day on earth. That means I’m going to endeavor to spend each day wisely, acknowledge the Lord in prayer, spend daily time with Him, worship Him, and serve Him in loving others, and in making a positive impact on our generation for Him! I know, without a doubt….THIS IS THE WAY IT’S MEANT TO BE!”