Two young folks fell in love and were married on October 23, 1953, the would bore their first son named Donald in 1955 and adopt their second son Dexter in 1962.
Those two people were some of my favorite people; George & Rachelene Phillips!- My grans!
When I think about them or talk about them I always refer to my George as “Strength”, he embodied that, he exuded it in everything he did. He never complained or succumbed to his physical limitations instead he gave 100% at all times, until he simply had nothing else to give.
Now Mrs.Rachel… this was MY girl! My real life sweetheart that was the epitome of “love”, she poured love into her family, into her home, into meals, into everything she touched. She was some kind of special.
It’s no wonder God made my gran for my grandpa, she absolutely completed him and he loved her just like Christ loved the church. 🙂
Their love was all-encompassing and inspiring as a child and even more so as an adult. My grandmother would dote on my grandfather and care for him with so much love and care that I still get goose bumps when thinking about it.
I remember one time my grandfather was in the hospital in Chapel Hill and he was really sick, the doctors didn’t think he would make it and had called us to his bedside. We drove down to N.C., stopped in Rocky Mt. to pick my gran up and headed to the hospital in Chapel Hill.
He looked so weak and tired but, he was still not complaining although he wasn’t saying much of anything which was a sign of his fatigue as well.
My gran sat at his side on the bed and rubbed the 3 little hairs left on the top of her “curly top’s” head as she so affectionately called him. She appealed to him as only a wife could and told him ” don’t you give up on me, I’ve never given up on you!” I walked away as the scene before me was just too much, I wasn’t ready to lose him and neither was she. I had to collect myself so I could be strong for them both as we joined hands and petitioned for God to show up and show out at his bedside.
And much to the doctor’s amazement and our delight; God answered our prayers! ( Thank YOU for hearing our prayers!)
58 years of marital bliss were shared before my grandmother was called to Glory in 2011. 9 short months later my grandfather joined her in October 2012 just before their 59th anniversary so that they could celebrate together!
I remember before Chocolate and I got married I started having doubts in my ability to live up to the example she had set as a wife and she assured me without hesitation that I absolutely have what it takes and that I just needed to love him without boundaries or limits. I was glad she had more confidence in me than I did but, here I am 7 years later keeping my head above water! 😛
On this 64th anniversary I still miss them more than ever….I am so thankful to have had them as role models and so incredibly grateful to have experienced and to have been able to bask in their love that I will keep it close to my heart for always! ♥