It was 60 years ago on the 22^nd August way back in 1964 that something happened that changed my life for ever. I had returned to Ipswich from Melbourne during university vacation and I invited my very dear friend Carole to accompany me on a trip to Monto where we stayed with my sister’s family. On the 22^nd August we were travelling back to Ipswich when I decided to have a break and pulled into a car park that overlooked the beautiful scenery around the town of Esk. I was soon to return to Melbourne and wanted to see how Carole viewed our relationship because I wouldn’t see her again until December.

After sharing for a while, I felt led to ask Carole, ”What would you say if one day I asked you to marry me?” Her reply was immediate, “I would say, ‘Yes!’”  There was no reason why I shouldn’t ask another question, “Well then, will you marry me?” Again her answer was immediate, “Yes!”

We worked out that because of our commitments, we couldn’t be married until January 1966. But as we drove home, I knew my life had changed forever. I now had someone to love for the rest of my life, knowing that she loved me too.  We both believed that the Lord had brought us together and that He would bless our commitment to Him and to one another.

Our marriage was indeed blessed by the Lord and we saw His hand at work as we enjoyed almost 54 years of married bliss together, welcoming three wonderful children into the world. 

I thought I would put some photos here that remind me of the various aspects of Carole’s life

Photos from top down.

•          Carole with her parents and grandmother in India about 1947. Her family left India in 1947. Her father won Olympic Gold Medals for India in field hockey in 1932 [Los Angeles] and 1936 [Berlin].

•          Carole as a Girl Guide in Australia. She loved guiding.

•          Carole as a slim teenage athletic sporting star and her awards.

•          Carole when I first met her in her late teens.

•          Engaged in 1964 and both so happy about our commitment to each other.

•          Leaving the church after being married, 22 January 1966. Our wedding party with great friends.

•          Returning to Ipswich from Armidale to speak at Bundamba church.

•          Our blessed family in Armidale.

•          Over 50 years married and still smiling.

•          On holiday at Hunter Valley. Carole resting after a short walk, having been told she might have less than a year to live. 

•          Carole is with the Lord but her earthly remains lie buried here in Port Macquarie. 

What a privilege it was for me to meet Carole, born at Kharagpur in India and who migrated to the Ipswich district where I lived and who joined as the youngest member of the Youth Group I led.

Then to see her mature to become an outstanding Christian leader. We became the very best of friends and that friendship turned into a deep love and respect for one another.

So it is now 60 years on Thursday 22nd 2024 since that eventful hour when we realised that the Lord had brought together in Him and we pledged our lives to Him and one another. For almost 54years we enjoyed the Lord’s faithfulness and blessing until cancer shut down her earthly life and she went home to the Lord. “Absent from the body. At home with the Lord.”

Loved and cherished for 60 years. Deeply, deeply missed for the last 5 years. Praise God for His goodness in bringing us together and for pouring out His love on us and His love through us for one another!!!

BlogNo.556 posted on Tuesday 20 August 2024.