Happy Anniversary, Armona

June 7, 2026
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
At ten in the morning there was no breeze at all, not a cloud in the sky, already it was hot at 96°.  The corn was wilting, the flowers were drooping, people were sweating and gasping but worst of all, our three-tier wedding cake was melting, leaning as if to topple over at any moment.
 
Yes, fifty-six years ago today, I married the love of my life, Armona!  By two in the afternoon, it was 105°.  With no air conditioning inside the church, it may have even been hotter. 
 
As I waited for the organ to begin playing, the clock to strike two, not because I was nervous, but hot, I must have drunk two gallons of water.  Finally, the hour had come and the preacher said, “It's time.”  That was my cue to take my position at the front of the church and await the presentation of my beautiful bride.
 
I looked around and saw family gathered all around.  Today I lament that most of them are no longer here.  A smile from mom, a wink from dad, a couple of thumbs up from others, but now it was time to focus on my bride as she walked toward me down the aisle with a smile on her face.  I could not have chosen better!
 
I don't remember a word the preacher spoke other than answering his question with an, “I do!”  Upon her finger I placed her wedding ring.  Not visible to others, known only to us, engraved on the inside of the rings we exchanged were the words, “Everlasting Love.”  Over the years, there could be no truer words that bind Armona and I together.
 
The wedding is over, the cake is tipping, the ice cream is melting, but there is one good thing, the coffee is not getting cold. 😊  Of course, our friends had decorated our car.  Away we went with a string of cans following.  As we got into the car to leave, I saw a roll of toilet paper on the antenna.  As we drove away, I noticed that the spool of toilet paper was unrolling.  I looked in the rear view, and there was Armona’s dad, hanging on to the toilet paper as if he did not want to let go.
  
Indeed, I am blessed to have a Proverbs 31 wife.  Armona, you are the love of my life!  Happy anniversary!  (Don’t expect a card 😊😊)
 
Everlasting Love!
Not Pastor Allan…just Allan
 
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