Greatest TRUE Love Story I Know Part 1

Okay I don't dwell on spiritual thoughts. I have my beliefs but don't always put a lot of thought or discussion into them. However, this story shows how even a "normal" marriage can show true love even beyond death. And in the spirit of motherhood and children, let's start the story off like this...

Once upon a time in a land far up in Northern Ontario, there lived a couple named Herbena and Bill. Yes I said "Herbena" and Bill. Blessed with being named after her Dad, she still had the charm and beauty to attract young Bill. No this story does not involve a princess or a prince or any monsters or witches... just a beautiful couple that had their ups and downs through life.

Herbena and Bill met in their late teens and were married in their early twenties. Their first challenge involved convincing their very religious parents why they should be married. You see, Herbena was Protestant United and Bill was Roman Catholic. Little did they know that this was the first of many challenges that would be laid in their path.

Bill and Herbena were happily married and had 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls). Bill's occupation as a nickel miner was quite a strenuous and dangerous job. Herbena was mainly a stay at home mom but when money was tight, she took some odd jobs, like washing hair at one of the local hair salons. Life was quite satisfying.

Shortly after their 5th child, Cathy, was born, illness struck. Doctor appointment after doctor appointment and the fact that this was the early 50's didn't help much in her recovery. Sadly, three months after her birth, Cathy didn't survive. Bill and Herbena were devastated. Thank God for their 4 children. Their 2 sons and 2 daughters occupied their time and brought their spirits up. This tragedy only seemed to make them stronger as a family. In fact, a few years later, Bill and Herbena had another child, a son. Of course, this baby would never replace Cathy, but they still had so much more love to share.

Now as I mentioned, Bill was a miner in a small town. One day, what started out as a typical day, Bill was doing his job underground. Little did he know that there was some kind of incident at the other end of the drift (tunnel). When suddenly, he and his partner were trapped in their area and the area started to fill up with water. They kept trying to radio for help but their rescuers had their own struggles getting to them. Bill started to pray and think about his wife and 5 children. Just as the water reached to his chest, a hatch suddenly opened over their heads and down came a ladder from their long awaited rescuers. Herbena in tears that evening took her husband in her arms and thanked God.

So life went on and the kids grew up to have their own kids. Bill and Herbena could not have been more proud. Their eldest son became a United Church minister, their next son became a Policeman, both daughters became registered nurses and their youngest son became a Chemist. What a brood!! All educated, successful, professional, beautiful people. All of these kids became wonderful caring individuals. Bill and Herbena did a great job!! Just when life seemed to be going so well again, they got the phone call that no parent ever wants.

Their son the policeman, Murray, was on a fishing trip with his wife and they had problems with their motor. When Murray stood up to work on the motor, it backfired and knocked the wind out of him. Wearing no lifejacket and heavy work boots, he fell backwards into the water. His wife tried to help him but he kept yelling at her to sit down. He sank to the bottom. His wife managed to make it back to shore safely. Police dragged the lake looking for Murray. They searched for days and days. The family all gathered at Murray's house to support his wife and kids. On the 10th day, they got the call that they had been dreading. His body was found. Murray was such a well respected man, husband, policeman, mentor to young kids, photographer and friend to all. At the funeral, there were friends, friends of friends, family, family of family. Nobody wanted to say goodbye. Once again the family banded together to get through yet another tragedy. All Bill kept saying was "A son is not supposed to go before his parents." This tragedy left a scar on Bill's heart forever that he would never get over. Herbena being the strong one, gave Bill the strength to go on and see how much the rest of his family still needed him.

Please come back tomorrow for the continuation of this story...