Whom have I underestimated? What does this teach me?

I have consistently underestimated my husband, Earl.

As I’ve mentioned here before, I was not raised by my parents. I was in foster care by the time I was 6 months old. I was shuffled between different homes and family situations my entire childhood. I learned quickly that I was a burden and an inconvenience to my “caretakers” and that everything in life is disposable, especially people.

I met Earl the summer before my senior year of High School. I was 16. He was a 19 yr old midwestern boy stationed in Southern California with the Marines. We dated my senior year. He took me to my prom.

I joined the Marines when I was 17, against Earl’s objections. We had a tearful goodbye. I was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for 3 months of basic training. We were allowed a single phone call during that time. Most women called their parents. I called Earl.

We were married 7 months after I graduated boot camp. Later Earl and I would admit to one another we were scared to death.

I know this is a long post, and I apologize, but today’s question got me remembering…

I used to ask Earl, numerous times a day, if he really loved me. Deep in my heart I was afraid he would throw me away too. He never got tired of telling me, he really does love me and he’s not going anywhere. He makes me feel safe.

Fast forward 40 years. Earl and I are grandparents now, living out our retirement years in Florida. We raised four children together (buried one of them when he was just 14). Our life has together has had abundant blessings and challenges. People have often asked what our “secret” is and I don’t have an answer. I know our shared faith plays a big part but I’ve seen lots of good Christian homes shattered by divorce.

My daughter came closest to an answer, I suppose, when she told me, “You and Dad are both loyal and forgiving.” And for that, I am extremely grateful.