Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Most neighborhoods now are not like those of days gone by. Our family was blessed to have living next door to us, Vernon and Maxi Wells. They were a precious elderly couple who referred to our kids as their “adopted grandchildren”.
Many nights, we would go to their house or they would visit ours. First, everyone would play a game together, then after Brittney, Courtney and Charles went to bed, we continued playing cards for hours. The kids still talk about what it delight it was to hear Mrs. Well’s contagious laughter flow through the house and into their rooms.
Being the prankster I am, one April fool’s joke I played on them was when I took my lifelike baby doll, wrapped it in a blanket, put it in a basket on their front porch swing with a note asking someone to take care of him, rang the doorbell and hid behind the bushes.
Nearly every time we spoke, that was mentioned as we laughed together about what a trick that was and how it took them a minute to realize it wasn’t actually a child. After they figured out it was a joke, somehow they KNEW I was behind it, go figure!
One of the many things that set Mr. and Mrs. Wells apart was their deep love and commitment to one another. He always called her by terms of endearment, “Sweetheart”, “My Bride” and “Darling”, to name only a few. Thankfully we were witness to such a wonderful marriage. Not only were they husband and wife, but best friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Wells were designed to be together! He knew he was going to marry her from the first time he saw that beautiful young lady! Mr. Wells saw her, told someone how pretty she was and that he wanted to marry her. She found out about it, approached him and said that if he liked her then she should be the one he told and since they were getting married, he should carry her books home. Needless to say, he did! From there, love blossomed into a 59 year marriage! Mr. Wells always told that story with some jest, a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes.
A few years ago, we were saddened to learn of Mrs. Well’s passing.
Very rarely do I see or hear of a couple so connected that one’s heart is absolutely shattered without the companionship of the mate.
Off and on, I have visited with Mr. Wells, in person and by phone. He has been taking dialysis for the last several years and had a bought with cancer. Every time I spoke with him, he sadly and with a broken heart, mentioned his longing for his beloved Maxi.
As I said, he took dialysis which was on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and he was typically whipped after a long day of treatment. I had to keep in mind other days to contact him so he would feel up to talking. Today being Tuesday, I thought I would call and check in on him as the holidays were approaching and they were especially difficult for him. When I called, I got a message saying the phone was not in service. I tried again, still the same message.
Reluctantly, I got online and typed his name in the search, up came his obituary. He passed away on September 9, just a few short weeks ago. I talked to him a little just this summer, but since then I usually remembered on one of his dialysis days. I was heartbroken!
My daughters and cousin tried to comfort me by telling me he is in a “better place” and I appreciate that. I also listened to a voicemail he left me from last Christmas. In his little strong but soft voice, he told me he hoped we had a wonderful Christmas as a family and how, although he had kids, grandkids and even great-grandchildren to spend the holidays with, he would be lonesome without Mrs. Wells.
There are just certain people God puts in our lives, proving just how much He really does love us!
I praise God for the peace He gives, passing all understanding. Although my heart is broken, and I know many among us have had those moments, even so lately with Rhonda and her family’s trials, our God is faithful and we can lift up praise and thanksgiving today for that and his unfailing love!
PRAYER
Gracious and Merciful King
We give You praise for the godly people you put in our lives
For the friends You put to cross our path
Father, we hurt when we lose someone dear to us
Through changes, moving or passing away
Please remind us to keep in contact with those dear to us
If it is safe, healthy or right to do so
Open doors, please, to restore broken or strained relationships
Thank You for showing us that friendships and marriages do
Exist that endure and persevere throughout many years
Encourage us, please, when we witness godly relationships
May we be so inclined to impact that kind of testimony on future generations
We want a deep love for You, Lord
Let our hearts burn within us for our Redeemer
Not contingent on temporary feelings or emotions
Love bonds and bounds us together through hardship, celebration And what falls between
You are our Sovereign Lord
You are Healer of mind, body and spirit
To leave this place, for a Believer
Is to be in Your presence
As Second Corinthians 6:8 tells us, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Philippians 1: 21 says For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
With Your touch
In Your Truth
We are free
According to John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Thank You, Precious Savior
For binding up our wounds
Caring for us
Our Awesome Deliverer
Raising us up to be stronger in You
Than we ever imagined
Through the Blood of the Lamb
Jesus
Amen
Songs
Friends Are Friends Forever
The Anchor Holds
Peace In The Valley
This is a clip of First Baptist “living Christmas tree” in Huntsville. Although she is not in this particular video, for many years, Mr. Wells’ sweet angel sang first soprano from way atop this structure. Our family was privileged to go several times to see her and hear that beautiful voice carry throughout the sanctuary.
Credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Ghost, Scripture
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Wells
Encouraging words
google, youtube, biblehub, Huntsville Times online obituaries, biblegateway, First Baptist Church Huntsville, AL
