Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The tales of two families.

Larry is my Mom's fourth marriage. Please don't cast judgment. Would she have wanted that for herself, no.  But it's a part of her story. Her beautiful story.

Let me back up.

When my Mom married my Dad (her first marriage), it was young love and they loved the best they knew how. They had my brother and I, but in the end it just didn't work and they divorced when I was really young. My Mom then went on to meet and marry my sister Danielle's Dad. Tragically he passed away in a boating accident. He was a great man and we gained a wonderful sister out of that marriage. My Mom was a single mom for many years until 1998 when she remarried. Due to some devastating circumstances and details I will not go into, that marriage ended in divorce in 2005.

Fast forward to 2010. Larry and my Mom did not meet in a conventional way. They meet and fell in love through E-Harmony (Yes, it does work, ha). A little background though. Larry's family has a story of their own. There's been love and loss on many levels in both families, the dynamics and parallels between the two families blows my mind.  My Mom is Larry's third marriage. Larry has two daughters of his own from his first marriage. And a daughter from his second marriage. Both of his previous wives had passed away. So, his daughter's have lost their mother's and now they're losing their father, breaks my heart. Now my brother, sister, and I are losing another father. And sadly, my Mom is losing another husband.

Back to Mom and Larry. Larry had been widowed for about five years, and then comes my Mom. Truly, them meeting was healing and restoration for both families. God is so good. They had a fast courtship and pretty much knew that they knew right off the bat they loved each other and wanted to spend their lives together.

The day they got married.

They knew it was much more than a hunch, that this group would somehow form a family!


This July would have been their third wedding anniversary. Just not long enough. But this time we wouldn't take back for anything in the world.

Larry's biggest concern after he passes is that we remain together and remain a family. Don't think he has anything to worry about. Going through something like this kind of bonds you for life!

The tale, leads us to where we are now...

And that's the way we all became the Brady Bunch :)

17 comments:

Melissa said...

People are very quick to judge when you say someone is on their 3rd or 4th marriage. In both your mom and stepdad's cases, it was due to tragedies for the most part and that's not their fault. It sounds like they were truly made for each other and I'm so sorry and sad for all of you that their marriage can only last not even 3 years. Cancer sucks :(

Aishlea said...

Loved hearing this background!! :)

People shouldn't judge. My grandmother is married to her 3rd husband. Her first, my real grandfather, had a massive heartattack at a very young age (my mom was 4). Her second husband passed away of cancer when my mom got married. All that to say, you never know the background or what really happened!

Kristin said...

This is beautiful and heartbreaking that they won't have more time together. I am so glad that God knit healing into 2 families with their marriage to one another. Praying for all of you!!

Lindsey said...

I enjoyed hearing their background, it's just so heartbreaking yet a beautiful story. Praying for you and your family sweet friend!!

Anonymous said...

God weaves beautiful families from intricate webs. I have been praying for your sweet family.

katie@tulsadetails said...

A very sweet story and so glad they could be blessed with each other. It truly is like that quote, "it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." Prayers for your family. Glad you have the gift of saying goodbye. :(

Stacy said...

I love how your families have embraced each other. That is true love!
Stacy
searchingforthegrateful.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I lost both my parents at a very young age and went to live with my aunt and uncle. When that didn't work out my stepfather (mom's 2nd husband) and his new (3rd marriage) wife took me in as their own daughter. Its so good to see that someone else also gets that family is not just blood-related, but the people who love you and care about you and are called to be your family. God is so good like that!

Green Girl said...

What a great story!

Mindy said...

Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it!

Jacquie Wallace said...

It's amazing how God has woven the fabric of y'alls lives together. I cannot tell you how often I think of you and your family, Lauren. My heart is just breaking for you all. I hold you in my heart and prayers.

BARBIE said...

What a beautiful story of how God knit two families together through love. I am praying for your family! I know how hard this must be. I cannot imagine. I pray for His peace to surround you all! Your family is beautiful, woven together by the hand of God for a distinct purpose.

a boy a girl and a pug said...

thank you for sharing this incredible journey lauren. my first thought was what an incredibly brave and awesome mother you have. she has journeyed through so much,but i love how she has found her true love in the end. no one should judge that. i'm just praying so hard for y'all and larry having to battle this horrible disease. praying for God's grace and strength and that your sweet family can lean on one another through this time.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your posts and just wanted to write a note to say that I admire the strength that you all have and Larry's courage.

You are ALL in my thoughts and I've maybe said a prayer or two... :)

What a wonderful way to document this difficult yet loving time in your life.

Jessica @ Wanting Adventure said...

What a story! I think there is some kind of stigma for the multiple marriages, but when you explained it all, of course it makes sense that God took you all down this path. Any number of years is never enough! I can't imagine burying two husbands, though. :(

Jessie Jones said...

What a beautiful story! I'm so glad you shared it with us. Sending love and prayers your way!

Trina said...

I can just tell from photos how much your mom and Larry love each other. It's evident he's very special and so is your mom.

You are so right, going through such a thing as this bonds people for life. For my and my sister {and other siblings but her specifically} it's brought us into a closer relationship.

Still praying for y'all! Cancer does suck. Larry seems to be handling things with as much grace as he can though. xoxo