On June 1st 1968 Lucy ignored her women’s intuition, threw caution to the wind and said those two fatal words “I Do”…

It was with trembling heart, weak knees and last-minute-thoughts of “what am I doing?” that Lucy walked, slowly and haltingly, down the long, satin covered isle, accompanied by the traditional – wedding march – to her waiting destiny. She felt her father’s hand grasping her arm. It was as if he was trying to hold her back. She was his baby. Lucy thought “Oh Lord. Please protect me from this over sexed, clingy, kind of nerdy man.”  I have spent the last forty four years trying to prove she made the correct decision…

I will never forget the joy that I felt when she first came into view. I couldn’t see her until she left the lobby, entered through the curtained French doors and began slowly gliding toward me. It truly felt as if my world had been changed forever, just by the sight of her shy, veil covered, smile. I just could not believe that this incredible woman, so much beauty, so many talents and so much hope and promise for the future, had agreed to happily hitch herself to my shooting star. It was there and then that God issued me my most daunting challenge. If HE let this marriage continue, I must promise to spend every remaining moment of my life making this woman feel; loved, safe and most of all… content. It has been the most rewarding challenge that I have ever agreed to… I pray every day that I have been worthy.

“You may kiss the bride”

An important note: Lucy’s gorgeous, floor-length, wedding gown was, lovingly crafted for her by my mother – Evelyn White Crook – of St.Petersburg, Florida. Evelyn continued to practice her craft up until a few years before she passed away at the age of one hundred four years.

Minutes seemed like hours as the minister led us in our wedding vows. The seriousness of the entire procedure brought tears of joy to my eyes. My voice shook as I repeated my parts of the vow. I pledged in front of God and man to follow every stanza. Was it possible? Did I really hear Lucy say “I do”. I had imagined hearing the words many times and often woke in extreme happiness, after having heard it in my dreams. This time it was real and it was forever. I get tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, all these years later, when I recall how I felt when the pastor addressed the entire wedding group and said “I now present Mister and Misses David Crook”. Nothing before it or sense has ever filled me with a greater level of JOY. “Thank you Lord” I silently prayed…

Stronger every day

As I watched my new bride, awed by her beauty and femininity, as she posed for the photographer, I thought with great certainty that no man could love a woman more than I loved my Lucy on this somewhat surreal, scary, emotion filled day. I was totally wrong. I have loved her more and more each day. Lucy has truly given me a reason for living and an amazing purpose filled life. Her enthusiasm for everything she attempts and loyalty toward everyone she loves, has set the mark for my personal life-goal each and every minute of my existence…

Divine Intervention

Our first meeting, whirlwind courtship and eventual marriage was truly divinely inspired. We met in a “Kinder, Gentler” time. Romance was rampant. Doors were opened and gentlemen gave up their seats on public transportation. Men rose when  a lady entered the room. Boys asked girls out, shaved and put on clean clothes before their date and paid for everything. It was a privileged to have the lady agree to spend time with the lucky gentlemen. As was the custom I asked Lucy’s father for her hand in marriage. He reluctantly agreed and asked me only one question “Do you love her?” “With all my heart and soul” i joyfully responded….

Not a “trophy wife”

To suggest that Lucy was a “trophy wife” would be wrong. The title would indicate that in some competition – the most difficult I could have ever attempted – I had “won” her. That would be totally and completely false. Nothing I could have ever done or will do in the future would ever make me worthy of “winning” my Lucy. I know in my heart and feel certain in my spirit – Lucy was a “Gift” from GOD. Only the Lord in his infinite knowledge and loving spirit could have ever allowed me to spend my life with such an amazing woman. Every breath that I take. in Lucy’s presence makes my life more wonderful and insures my ability to find joy in every circumstance I encounter and love for everyone I meet.

Corny? Perhaps. I don’t care. If you don’t know what I mean, think I am over-the-top or just don’t get it I am sad. You just haven’t found “your” Lucy. Thank you Jesus…