Hello Friends and Family,
On November 6, 1971, there were several significant events that made that day stand out as a day to remember. I know this, I'll never forget that day.
It was a crisp Fall day...brimming with a sense of destiny. It was election day. Edwin Edwards and J. Bennett Johnston emerged as the front runners in the Gubernatorial race. Later, Edwin Edwards would become the 50th Governor of Louisiana. Closer to home, Luther N. Shackelford was on the local ballot as a candidate for the Rapides Parish Police Jury (similar to a County Commissioner, for you non-Louisianans). I called Luther N. Shackelford, "boss" and "Uncle." And, I was heavily involved in his election effort, which by the way, was a successful effort!
Football, strangely enough was popular just as it is today. And there was a huge rivalry game that would be quite intense...Alabama and LSU were playing! LSU fans would tolerate only the least of intrusions into their preparations for viewing the big game.
Further, Deer season was opening and eagerly anticipated on this absolutely perfect day for the "Hunter's Paradise" known as Louisiana. Hunters, real hunters, don't miss opening day of Deer season...period!!
Lastly, Robert was scurrying around with the oddest of activities. He was funnily attempting to hide his 1967 Mustang behind the Meat market on Hwy. 167 South. Also, he had an appointment that morning at the Razor's Edge; to get the best haircut possible. And, he had numerous family members in town from all over the U.S.A.! Trudy, too, was wearily but tirelessly, marshaling her family members (and Pam!) to be at certain places at certain times! Amazingly, Robert and Trudy had set this busy, incredible day as their...wedding day!!!
Miraculously, everyone seemed to manage all the logistics. Curley Maxey got his deer. Luther Shackelford got his voters to the polls, LSU fans were able to assemble around the Philco TV sets to watch an exciting game (regrettably, won 14 to 9, by the Crimson Tide), and Robert and Trudy were appropriately and wonderfully married...all on the fateful day of November 6, 1971.
Oh, and neither seemed to mind all that much that the Mustang was lettered and creamed and vaselined by the time they completed their reception duties and hopped in the car to head off to Shreveport, for their honeymoon. However, whoever put the Sardines in the engine compartment...that went way over the top!
Blessings to all...especially those readers who were there and share these memories with us. And, blessings to the two products of this marriage, Wendy and Brian. Their spouses, Wendy's Kirk, and Brian's Jessica. And special blessings, to the on going products of this marriage...grandchildren: Daniel, Melanie, Kara, and Meredith.
We thank God for blessing us with a wonderful life, God-honoring children, and the richness of knowing His guidance and His provisions in every area of our marriage.
Thank each of you...for caring enough to look in on Trudy in this way. Thank you for your prayers that the Leukemia and all related issues will stay away. And thank you for joining us in praying that...now that the Maintenance Protocol is completed, that whatever treatments may ensue...that Trudy will continue to be healthy and fully active in all of her precious roles as wife, mother, and grandmother.
Blessings,
Trudy and Robert
