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Some time, around the middle decades of the twentieth century, a 16 year old girl discovered she was pregnant. Of course, she knew how it happened. And this was at a time in American history when young people were supposed to “do the right thing” and get married. So, she married the 19 year old young man (soon to be 20), who also knew the moral norms, and they started figuring things out.And just because you “do the right thing” doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.
In fact, as I’m sure you know, it’s often a much more difficult thing to do. But it’s especially difficult when the mother and father to be are still somewhat in their formative years.
So, this young couple had to move things along sooner than they imagined. And the young man determined the best way to take care of his new family was to join the Air Force and master some skills. But that meant he’d need to leave the girl with his parents once he enlisted. Because he found out he’d have to go through basic training far away from their hometowns in Oklahoma.
And after setting things up with his parents, the young man flew off to his new work adventure. And the girl stayed behind in Oklahoma.
But after only a few, short months, the young girl decided she didn’t like the arrangements. So, she asked her uncle and aunt and grandparents for some traveling money. And she got on a bus to Colorado. Without letting the young man know, by the way.
When she showed up at the Denver bus station, she made her way to a pay phone (Yes, it was a real thing), and called Lowry Air Force Base. Naturally, the young man was surprised (to say the least). But he quickly made arrangements to meet her at the bus station. And once he got there, the two of them went in search of a place to live.
A 16 year old girl, who was about 5 1/2 months pregnant, and a young Air Force mechanic-in-training…still green around the edges.
I won’t take you through the rest of the details right now.
I’ll just let you know, they found a place to live. And a few months later, in December, the result of them doing the right thing, was born. An incredibly amazing and beautiful baby boy.
That boy was me. And I stand by the description. Eyewitness accounts back me up on it.
And today, I’m making a drive to Kansas to see that young girl who’s now past 83 and possibly in her last months on Earth.
I’m not sure what to expect because…well, you know how long distance health reports can be. But something that brings me comfort is knowing my mom also did another right thing.
Many years ago, she trusted Jesus to be her savior and source for eternal life. So, I know that no matter how many (or few) days she has left, she’s going to the place where I’ll see her again one day. Because I did that too, and I also know there is no life apart from the One who gave it to us.
You know life can be full of surprises,
And they’re not always on the upswing.
But each day a new sun surely rises
With new hope we can do the right thing.
Stay tuned,
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