We are going through many changes in our family, in our focus toward ministry in our lives, in our pursuits, in our plans for the future as we do our best to follow God’s leading. Some of those changes are rather dramatic, and I would like to share them at some time in the near future; I intend to do so on this web site.
It has been heartwarming for our family knowing that so many are still interested in our lives, in what’s been going on over the past months. The apostle Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 4:13 indeed we grieve, but not like the rest of the world grieves, without hope.
The past months have been difficult for us; we cry, we remember, we see her in everything around us; we miss her terribly and long for her sweet smile, her soft voice, her sparkling eyes and contagious laugh. But we are not living in despair; we trust in what the Lord has done and is going to do through her; the way she lived, the way she died.
If but one soul is saved, it was all worth it; Gwen would agree with me emphatically. She had a true spirit of love for others and she knew how to use it. I have never seen anyone with more spiritual gifts than she, and none were lost. She was faithful; to me, to her children, to the Lord.
I thought that another Ocean City story might be nice here today; just another little glimpse of Gwen.
***
Finding time to be together just the two of us was difficult to do. The kids were far too young to be alone, and even though we loved being with them, we just wanted to have a little time together on the boardwalk…just for an evening.
We managed to find a babysitter from a group at one of the local churches who came highly recommended, so off we went for a night on the boards; just the two of us.
We started off at Mack and Manco’s Pizza, which was risky since she was wearing beige bellbottom slacks and a light blue top; she was gorgeous. We ate without any pizza sauce accidents, and enjoyed every moment.
Next stop was Shriver’s for some Salt Water Taffy and Juju bees. The next stop was Johnson’s Caramel Popcorn and an Ice Cream cone at Kohl’s; Rita’s water ice was not yet invented.
We headed north with our arms loaded with stuff, all the way to the amusement park, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. We rode the merry go round and a little roller coaster, even the Ferris wheel. It was a perfect evening so far.
“Don, do you want to walk on the beach?” She grinned a little mischievously, knowing that you are not allowed on the beach in the dark in that location.
“Sure, lets go baby.” Off we headed to the stairway, only to be stopped by the police. It has always amazed me that every time we get stopped by the police, they always look at me as the bad guy, and never at her.
From there we started hitting the stores along the boardwalk starting with Terry Ivory and Pushpa’s, not forgetting to stop in at Henry’s Jewelry, Drift Inn and Sea, and The Old Salt.
We made our way back to where we were parked near 7th Street, stopping along the way to sit on a bench and look at the waves for a moment.
“Don, do you realize that in a short period of time we will have kids in school? I mean, does that not amaze you?” She was a little surprised and excited at the same time. It was going to be a new step in our lives, and we were looking forward to it.
“It’s hard to believe baby, but our dreams are coming true one by one.” Her face was studying the waves as I spoke.
“What are you thinking about baby? Is something bothering you?” She looked back at me.
“I was just thinking, what are we going to do in years to come? We need to figure on college, and also on spending time travelling. I really want to go places with the kids and you, all kinds of places.” She smiled a big one, “Can we do that do you think?”
I looked at her as she poured over with enthusiasm for her family, for me. She was loving her family and the life we faced.
“Oh Don, how long is the car parking lot open?” We realized suddenly that the population on the boardwalk was dwindling, and that it was nearing midnight.
“We gotta go baby!” We almost ran to the lot, and it was closed with my car securely locked inside, our house 30 blocks away.
“Look Don, there’s a note on the windshield.” I pulled it off and read it aloud.
“I have your keys. I am at blah blah blah address, knock, but don’t ring the bell!” I looked at her; she smiled. The keyless entry allowed me to put our many bags in the trunk, and head for the nearby address.
The lights seemed to be off inside, the screen door was closed but the main door open to allow fresh air. I knocked softly; nothing. I knocked a little louder; nothing. A little louder; still nothing. Suddenly Gwen got into the act.
“Hello!” What? What did she just do? We are on the porch of a gynormous building, there are no lights on and the note said ‘Don’t ring the bell’. That probably also meant no yelling too. My look to her conveyed my feelings of horror, and she started laughing. Who is this woman?
“Yo! Who’s there!?” A voice from the dark beckoned. Before I could look back at her, she did it again.
“We are here for our keys!” Now she was a little louder, and a touch demanding.
“Who’s looking for what keys!?” No one is visible in the dark interior of the room behind the screen door, just a booming voice. I looked back at Gwen to stop her, too late. What followed again to my horror, resembled the voice of Pee Wee Herman in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure when he is in the biker bar on the telephone, when he turns and faces the motorcycle gang and says in a very loud and pronounced voice, “I’M TRYING-TO USE-THE PHONE!” At which point they start to take him apart. Enter Gwen:
“We-are-here-for-the-keys-to-the-car-in-the-parking-l-o-t!” I have never been so out of control of a situation. The end of a perfect evening… ‘Couple Found Murdered on a Boarding House Porch!’ Then came the voice from the dark room.
“Oh yeah, my bad. Here you go, parking’s on me!” He handed the keys out through the door. “Have a nice night folks, the gates not locked.”
Wait. What? Who is this woman? He didn’t even see the dimple, how did she do that? Off we went to get our car, for free. It really was the end of a perfect evening. We got into the car; I looked at her sitting in the passenger seat smiling at me with a gorgeous dimple and glistening eyes. Oh my.
***
Thank you for praying for Gwen. She was my girl.
