WALT AND BARB: A LOVE STORY
(The story of my parents’ love)
Met: On a blind date when Barb was 16 and Walt was 19.
First disappointment: When Walt missed their second date.
Reason: Walt joined the Marines to fight in WW11.
Reuniting: Walt started writing Barb when he was sure he would return from the war.
Married: Valentine’s Day “so he would never forget our anniversary!” He never did.
Children: Carolyn and Richard.
Barb: “We cannot remember what it was like before you kids came!”
Happiest memories as a family in the early years:
Always being together—moving at least 18 times in 6 years with Walt’s work with Ma Bell, living in trailers.
Moving to Beloit, KS their forever town.
Moving to their “forever home” and doing the finishing work as a family.
Tending the huge garden, another family project.
Being baptised all together on Palm Sunday in the Christian Church.
Loving the family dogs, Pepper, then Beau.
Trips together visiting friends and family in Kansas and Washington State.
Attending all the kids’ activities.
Hearing THEIR song: “The Rose.” (Performed at their memorial services). Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQY2z6aALD4
In later years:
Flipping houses! Barb would draw up the plan and Walt would do all the renovation work!
Being there for each other through family losses and their own health issues.
Always participating in church together.
Being there for their children whenever needed.
Retirement: Their happiest years!
Buying an RV and later a 5th wheel and traveling all over the country.
Wintering first in Texas and then Arizona.
Making friends from all over the country and Canada.
Spending time with the kids and grandkids.
A trip with Carolyn for Walt’s 70th birthday to the Grand Canyon. (Walt: “I never knew it would be like this!”)
The last year:
Surprise 50th wedding celebration for Walt and Barb with Barb’s family in Colorado.
Walt’s continuous health battles the last 8 months with pancreatitis, kidney stones, and two kinds of cancer, the last one terminal.
Walt guided Barb after his death as she drove 70 miles home by herself.
Walt and Barb living in the log cabin in the sky that he built for them and rocking their way into Heaven! (Mom’s view of Heaven)!
Miss you SO MUCH MOM AND DAD BUT KNOW YOU ARE SO HAPPY!
Till we meet again,
Carolyn Elizabeth
50th Anniversary Surprise Celebration
Married on Valentine’s Day
Last picture together
In memory of Walt & Barb.
