When Ellen asked me if I would write something or speak at her 25th anniversary – renewal of vows celebration – I thought – I would love to and I would be honored. And then I thought… how am I going to put into words what Mark, Ellen and their whole family means to me.
Ellen and I actually met at a 5th grade roller skating birthday party. Ellen had been injured earlier in the evening but still decided to go skating. At one point she fell and I rolled right over her already injured arm. The following year we had the same teacher and despite that disastrous meeting we became best of friends.
She is like a sister to me – lucky you Mark – that makes you my brother in law. We have had some wonderful times and we have been through a lot. And even though we live miles apart – Mark and Ellen inspire me pretty much every day. They share their lives with us - their struggles and their successes. And I pray for them and cheer for them.
One thing that did come to mind when I thought of Mark and Ellen and their marriage is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It talks about in verse 4 – Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not proud. Mark and Ellen are 2 of the kindest people I know. They are both patient with each other and with situations that come up.
Verse 7 says Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. They have persevered together through thick and thin – fighting for Teale and also for Beau and Gwenn. Just for normalcy and to the best that they can be.
And in verse 8 it says Love never Fails!!!! They have raised 3 great kids – who just like them – are kind, compassionate, and loving.
I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your lives with me and with all of us here today. Here’s to at least 25 more.
