The Two Word Secret to a Successful Marriage: A Meditation on My Parent’s 62nd Anniversary
Norman and Kathleen Patterson - November 14, 1959
Today is November 14, 2021. For most of you reading this, today isn’t any more special than any other day. However, for Norman and Kathleen Patterson, my beloved Mom and Dad, it is their 62 anniversary. As I write this in my office, I know what’s going on in their home. Dad is letting the dog out, probably getting the paper. Mom is making some coffee and preparing breakfast. They are getting ready to go to church, something that they always did, even before I was born.
Engagement Picture 1959. My Mom was 17.
My Dad will take the stair elevator that someone so generously gave them. His hip is bothering him, and it’s getting harder to walk. In spite of this, he always walks me out to my car when I leave from a visit. My Mom has a “turban” covering her chemo-affected lack of hair. My Dad comments how beautiful she looks with it on, and I believe he means it.
Norman and Kathleen Patterson with first-born son, Edward Patterson
As my Mother shows the signs of the battle, her eyes grow brighter, more full of Life. Someday, her body and the body of my Dad will no longer be able to contain the power of their Life. They will be absent from the body, at least for a time, until Christ restores everything in this broken and fallen world to the point that their bodies will, once again, be able to contain the fullness that grew and matured over a lifetime of joy and sorrow in Christ.
Kathleen and Norman with Colleen Mary and Edward
Sometime this morning, they are going to do something that they do every day as of late, to share communion together. They will worship, fellowship, and pray for their whole family. It’s just what they do - they pray.
The family with the addition of Yours Truly Norman Junior, or just Jr. for short.
They will pray for their family; their children, their marriages, their grandchildren, and their respective marriages. I know they will pray for me, which I greatly appreciate. My Mom and Dad saved my life as I suffered the tearing asunder of what God forbade. I’m not the only one of the broken they have ministered to. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, that have been touched by this holy union in the Lord.
Norman and Kathleen with Edward, Colleen, Jr. and Randall John
I know their sorrow over loved ones who choose not to have a relationship with them. When my Mom told me she had cancer, the first thing she talked about was whether they would even care. But the pain doesn’t turn into bitterness in either of them. I have personally witnessed their sorrow and watched their tears run down their faces. Those tears, like the woman who was forgiven much, wash the feet of Jesus. They flow from the broken alabaster hearts of my Mom and Dad. It is why I have hope for the prodigals.
Edward Patterson
It wasn’t always so with Norman and Kathleen. I know because I remember the fights, the arguing, and the nights filled with pain and despair. But all that changed, and they will be the first to tell you because God intervened in a marriage and two people hell-bound. It was first my Mom who was conquered by the Love and Power of Jesus Christ. My Dad came in second, kicking and screaming like a newborn baby. And here they are decades later, two beautifully transformed people, feeding by faith upon Christ, renewing their love, vows, and souls, even as their bodies go the way of all mankind in this fallen and broken world.
Colleen Mary Patterson Renzullo
I will have breakfast with Mom and Dad in a little while. They will be glad to see me. We’ll chat, tell some stories, wax philosophical and theological on the problems of the world, maybe even share some difficulties we are having, and, before I leave, I will inevitably hear those words, “Let’s pray.”
Officially, the most beautiful baby to have ever been born, me - Jr.
How did they make it 62 years? Why are so many marriages failing? They will tell you that it comes down to those two words - Let’s Pray. They will be the first to tell you that the secret to their marriage is contained in the daily practice of those two simple words. I know that if I had practiced them in my first marriage of 31+ years, things would not have broken down. I also understand that the success of my present marriage is bound up in their practice. I wish I could say I am as faithful as they are to practice them, but I am trying.
Randall John Patterson
Mom and Dad, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. I am honored to be one of your children. You bless me more than I can say, and I pray God’s blessing to be upon you both today as you celebrate your 62nd anniversary. I pray you can celebrate this side of eternity many more times!
Norman and Kathleen - November 14, 2021
Love you guys lots!
