Brother Lewis

On Friday, December 21, Brother Melvin Lewis passed away. I know this doesn't mean anything to any of you, but it means a lot to me. The Lewises are dear family friends--both of them have immeasurably shaped our family and family members' lives.  It made me sad that this December we weren't in Arkansas. Not a one of us.  But it's okay. In some ways it's better to remember as it was.

It is no exaggeration to state that Brother and Sister Lewis were pivotal, key players in helping me gain a testimony of marriage. I'm not sure if I've ever blogged about this before, and I won't go into the nitty gritty right now, but suffice it to say that my feelings toward marriage have evolved a lot through the years. From, "I suppose I will, because I'm supposed to" to "no, No, NO" [this was a long one and I think it still worries my mother some], to slowly working very hard, with fasting and prayer and study to gain a testimony of the importance of marriage.  And after the testimony, line upon line the Lord taught me more about why it's important.  And slowly, ever so slowly a true desire for an eternal marriage has come. And that's where we are now. (That's a royal "we.")  I also don't think too hard about my issues with it, but focus on the testimony and understanding I have received. 

Anyway, I met the Lewises, of Mountainburg, Arkansas during the years when I was struggling with it. And they made a world of difference.  They were married when they were 17, then he went to fight in WWII. They had 5 children and chose to be active members of the church and to be transitional figures in their families, reversing things they experienced at home. They served 3 full time missions. Served in dozens of callings, at the temple, and just so much. He is an incredible craftsman of tile and carpentry and she is the most incredible seamstress I've ever known. And, how do I describe the love and welcome we feel in their home? Their testimonies? And their great, great love for each other.

I spent a lot of time driving back and forth with them to the OKC temple and in their home (I cleaned for them).  And I love them. I love them for who they are. I love them because they love me. And I will forever be grateful and love them for helping me understand what an eternal marriage can be.

Good-bye, for now, Brother Lewis. I'll see you again.