CafeSharon

Let me tell you a love story from the 1930’s.  Two young people, Bill and Merinda, met and fell in love.  Knowing that they were “right” for each other, Bill proposed. 

However, the 1930’s were an impoverished time.  Both Bill and Merinda were fortunate to have employment.  Each family relied upon their income.  If they married, the loss of their earnings would cause a hardship at home. 

But their love for each other was real – and it was strong.  And so they did what they thought was best.  Bill and Merinda were married in a private ceremony.  It was so private, that only the Pastor and his wife were in attendance.  In fact, it was so private that even their parents were not invited or even told of the nuptials.  

For an entire year they were married, but continued to live in their respective parents home.  It was not an easy year.  But it was what they felt had to be done.

After the news of their marriage accidentally leaked out, Bill and Merinda were able to “set-up” house.  They began what they hoped would be many happy years together.

 Soon they were blest with three healthy sons.  It was a wonderful life!  The boys grew and the family was happy. 

A month after the oldest graduated from high school, tragedy struck.  While at work, Bill was electrocuted.  He died immediately.  Merinda and the boys were devastated. 

But Merinda did what needed to be done.  She went to Nursing School and became a nurse.  She worked for years as a Pediatric Nurse.  

When I was 6, I had to have my tonsils removed.  In the hospital the night before surgery, I was really nervous.   Then in walked  Nurse Merinda, or should I say, Aunt Merinda.  You see, Merinda’s husband Bill was my father’s brother.   I knew that I would be okay because, if Aunt Merinda worked at that hospital.  Everything would be fine. 

Aunt Merinda was a “gem of a woman”. She was sweet, strong, determined and godly.  She was a wonderful example of selflessness.  She had the attitude that you do what needs to be done. 

Monday Aunt Merinda passed away.  She was 93 years old.  We have lost a great model for women today.  What we need in our world today are examples like Aunt Merinda.  I will miss “Nurse Merinda”.