A Better-Than-Hallmark Love Story


I told you last week about Aunt Gladys’ missing garnet ring. While we were searching for it, she confided that she thought someone—who shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent—had stolen it. When it turned up, I suggested that she allow me to keep it in a safe place at our house. Our conversation went something like this.

            “If you’re worried about someone taking your ring, we can put it in a safe.”
            “No. I want to wear it. He had it specially made for me. I picked out the stones.”

            “Okay.”

            After a few quiet moments, she said, “He was the love of my life, you know.”

            “Yes. And you were the sun, moon and stars to him.”
Those who knew Gladys and Chet can attest to both statements. Their courtship was sweeter than a Nicholas Sparks novel or Hallmark movie.
Judy with her new Mom
When they met, Chet was a lonely widower, new to town. Each morning, he watched from their apartment window as his thirteen-year-old daughter, Judy, crossed the street where a beautiful woman waited. Together, the two strolled toward town. He hadn’t met Judy’s new friend, but she talked about the nice lady who walked with her as far as her place of work. I'm sure it made going to a new school a little easier.
One frigid night, Chet saw the woman in the grocery store, so he introduced himself to the lovely Gladys Kumler and offered her a ride home. She accepted. But they were in for a surprise.
Chet loved to tell how the car broke down on the way. I’m not sure how they got back to their apartments, but I’m pretty certain that from that day forward, he was on a mission to win Gladys' heart.
Mr. & Mrs. Chester Beatty
Chet was sixteen years older than Gladys, and some folks wondered why she’d want to marry that old man. But she knew he was the one for her, and they became a devoted couple.
Chet was six months shy of 100 when he passed away with Gladys at his side. These days, at 98, she speaks of him and their love more openly than ever before.

When she does, I always think how nice it would be if everyone could find the love his or her life and live as happily as our beloved aunt and uncle did.
Does your family history include a special love story?


“This is it!” Adam exclaimed. “She is part of my own bone and flesh! Her name is ‘woman’ because she was taken out of a man.” 24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife in such a way that the two become one person. Gen. 2:22-23 LB